Shakira Body Double Claims Emerge After 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony Performance
Social media users spread claims that Shakira was replaced by a body double during her performance of the official anthem 'Dai Dai' at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11. The speculation was fueled by Shakira's large dark sunglasses, a slightly different hairstyle, and perceived missteps during the performance. Fact-checkers note that a visible forehead scar matching Shakira's in verified prior photos strongly suggests the performer was the real singer.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in Mexico City on June 11 with a high-profile ceremony featuring performers including Shakira, J Balvin, Maná, and Lila Downs. Within hours, theories circulated on X, TikTok, and other platforms alleging that the person who performed the tournament's official anthem, 'Dai Dai,' was not actually Shakira but a stand-in. Skeptics pointed to her large dark sunglasses, a partially obscured face, and what they described as an unusual hair color and missed choreography steps as evidence. Shakira's team has not publicly responded to the rumors. However, Euronews noted that a small forehead scar visible in verified Associated Press photos of Shakira from May 2026 is also clearly present in images from the ceremony, providing a strong physical identifier that the performer was genuine. No credible evidence supporting the body double theory has emerged, and the claim appears to be an unfounded social media conspiracy.
What's missing
Neither source includes any direct statement from Shakira or her representatives addressing the rumors, nor any comment from FIFA or the ceremony's organizers.
How coverage differed
Euronews approached the story as a straightforward fact-check, methodically presenting and debunking the conspiracy theory with photographic evidence. Fox News covered it in a casual, entertainment-focused newsletter column, dismissing the theory with humor and minimal analysis rather than engaging with the evidence.
What different sources said
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