Shakira and Speed: The Anthem of the 2026 World Cup?
Shakira and Speed: The Anthem of the 2026 World Cup?
The rumor is no longer a rumor: it has become one of the most viral stories in the world of soccer. Shakira, the undisputed queen of World Cup anthems, and Speed, the streaming phenomenon that paralyzes Twitch, have joined forces for what could be the official theme song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But is this real? A marketing strategy? Or just a fan's wet dream? Let’s break it down with data, videos, and an analysis that will get you hyped.
The Queen Returns: Shakira and Her World Cup Legacy
To understand the weight of this possible collaboration, we first have to look back. Shakira is not just another singer in World Cup history. She is the artist who defined the sound of two World Cups with anthems that transcend generations.
- Waka Waka (This Time for Africa): the official theme of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. With over 3.5 billion views on YouTube, it is the most-viewed World Cup anthem in history. Alongside Freshlyground, Shakira captured the joy of Africa and blended it with global rhythms.
- La La La (Brazil 2014): although it wasn't the main official theme (that was "We Are One" by Pitbull and J.Lo), Shakira performed a version at the World Cup closing ceremony, and her song became an unofficial anthem played at every celebration.
The video she shared on her channel
shows fragments of her past performances and a preview of what could be her new song. The energy is unmistakable: African percussion, powerful choruses, and that voice that makes you want to jump out of your seat. Shakira is back in the studio, and according to close sources, she is working on a project that fuses Latin pop with urban sounds.Speed: The Influencer Who Broke the Internet
Now, let’s talk about the other side of the tandem: Speed (Darren Watkins Jr.), the 19-year-old streamer who went from playing NBA 2K to becoming one of the most sought-after personalities in the world. His viral video
shows his reaction when he first hears a snippet of the song. His face lights up, he screams, and he blurts out: "This is fire! Shakira needs me for the World Cup."Speed is not just a walking meme. His impact on youth culture is real:
- He has over 26 million subscribers on YouTube and 10 million on Twitch.
- His chaotic style, iconic catchphrases, and love for soccer turned him into the unofficial ambassador of Gen Z in this sport.
- In 2023, he was invited by FIFA to promotional events, and his collaborations with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Lionel Messi (though the latter ghosted him) proved he has global reach.
The question is: can an influencer without musical training be part of a World Cup anthem? The answer is yes, and it wouldn’t be the first time. Remember that Pitbull (a rapper, not a classic singer) fronted the 2014 theme. FIFA is looking to connect with new audiences, and Speed is the perfect bridge.
The Video That Changed Everything: Clip Analysis
The two circulating videos are key clues. In Shakira’s, we see a high-level recording studio, with producers like Tainy (the reggaeton genius) and Ovy on the Drums (a regular collaborator of Karol G). There are whiteboards with written ideas, and you can hear a beat that blends Colombian cumbia with electronic music. It’s the sound Shakira has perfected: Latin roots with modern production.
In Speed’s video, the streamer appears in what looks like an improvised recording booth. He yells, laughs, but also sings a line: "From North to South, from East to West, the World Cup puts us to the test." It matches the rhythm from Shakira’s video. Is it a teaser? An accident? Fans have already synced both clips and claim they fit perfectly.
Concrete data:
- Shakira’s video was uploaded 3 days ago, under the title "2026 - Something is cooking".
- Speed’s was a 2-hour live stream where, at minute 47, he showed the snippet.
- Neither artist has officially confirmed, but Shakira followed Speed on Instagram and Speed posted a tweet: "The queen and me. Soon. #WorldCup2026".
Why This Collaboration Makes Sense
Let’s analyze the strategic motives:
- Shakira needs a rebranding. After her split from Gerard Piqué and her move to Miami, the singer is looking to reconnect with a younger audience. Speed gives her access to 26 million teenagers who might not listen to "Hips Don’t Lie".
- Speed seeks legitimacy. Although he’s famous, many see him as a clown. Collaborating with a Grammy-winning artist with World Cup anthems positions him as a and, who knows, maybe even a real singer.
Possible Formats for the Song
Given both profiles, the song could have several versions:
- Main version: Shakira takes the lead vocals, with an epic chorus and a bridge where Speed does a rap or spoken word. Something similar to "We Will Rock You" but with an urban flow.
- Remix version: Speed produces a trap beat with samples from Shakira’s song, ideal for TikTok and reels.
- Music video: Directed by someone like Colin Tilley, featuring images from the three host countries (Mexico, United States, Canada) and cameos from players like Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Haaland.
Impact on Soccer Culture
Imagine the anthem playing at the Estadio Azteca, MetLife Stadium, or BC Place. Shakira singing in Spanish and English, and Speed shouting from the field. It would be a generational moment that unites millennials who grew up with Waka Waka and Gen Z who idolize Speed.
Plus, the 2026 World Cup is the first with 48 teams and three host nations. It needs an anthem that represents diversity. What better than a Colombian living in Miami and an African-American streamer from Ohio? It’s globalization turned into a song.
Criticism and Controversy
It’s not all rosy. Soccer purists are already complaining: "An influencer singing at a World Cup? It’s disrespectful." Others accuse Shakira of selling out to trends. But the reality is that soccer has always been popular culture. From the Beatles singing at Wembley to "Seven Nation Army" in stadiums, music and sport evolve together.
The real risk is that the song could be forgettable. While Shakira has the touch, Speed is not a musician. His participation must be measured, not overshadowing the lead voice. One wrong move could generate negative memes and ruin the hype.
Conclusion: Anthem of the Century or Just Marketing?
Based on the videos and signals, the collaboration is real and the song is in an advanced stage. Shakira and Speed represent an explosive fusion: experience + virality, tradition + modernity. If the song strikes the right balance, it will be the anthem that defines an era. If it fails, it will be another failed attempt by FIFA to be cool.
What is clear is that the 2026 World Cup has already started to vibrate. And this time, the ball doesn’t roll alone: it sounds like cumbia, trap, and the craziness of a streamer who stole the internet’s heart.
Grab your flags, tune your voices. Shakira and Speed are about to write the soundtrack of our lives.
References:
- Shakira’s video:
- Speed’s video:
What do you think? Will this be the hit of 2026? Leave it in the comments.
