's 2026 was a full circle moment for one back-up dancer.
Showbiz
Shakiras Heartwarming Gesture for Dancer Revealed
Shakira's 2026 FIFA World Cup performance was a full circle moment for one back-up dancer. The Waka Waka hitmaker, 49, made sports history by co-headlining the ...
The Waka Waka hitmaker, 49, made sports history by co-headlining the first ever on Sunday.
And among the back-up dancers that supported her on stage was Shayna-Renee Wheatley, who was a contestant on Shakira's show Dancing With Myself back in 2022.
Although Wheatley fell short of the win in the finale, her dream was far from over. Shakira offered high praise, telling the dancer she had what it takes to be a backup-dancer for her or even .
After sharing the stage with Shakira on Sunday, Wheatley took to her Instagram to post a clip of the moment Shakira encouraged her after her loss, followed by a video of them dancing together at the halftime show.
'There are moments that remind you why you never stop believing,' she wrote in a lengthy caption.
Shakira's 2026 FIFA World Cup performance was a full circle moment for one back-up dancer; Shakira pictured performing on Sunday
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The Waka Waka hitmaker, 49, made sports history by co-headlining the first ever World Cup final halftime show
'In 2022, I was on @shakira new show “Dancing With Myself” and made it all the way to the finale. I didn’t take home first place, but I walked away with something I’ll never forget.'
'Shakira looked at me and said I could dance for her... or Beyonce one day,' she went on.
Among the back-up dancers that supported her on stage was Shayna-Renee Wheatley, who was a contestant on Shakira's show Dancing With Myself back in 2022
Although Wheatley fell short of the win in the finale, Shakira offered high praise, telling the dancer she had what it takes to be a backup-dancer for her or even Beyonce
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Shakira performed her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy at the event
She also mingled with Beyonce at the sporting event. On Sunday, she shared a snap of the pair embracing each other on Instagram
Madonna and Justin Bieber's performances during the controversial first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show divided fans; The star seen with soccer legends Ronaldinho (left) and Ronaldo
Bieber made a starkly different impact on the crowd as he stepped out with only a guitar to sing a World Cup-themed version of his song Everything Hallelujah - leaving fans baffled
Spain eventually triumphed over Argentina 1-0 after a thrilling 30 minutes of extra time - seen with Trump at the trophy ceremony
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Shakira performed her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy as her ex, Spanish former professional football player Gerard Pique, 39, watched on with their two sons Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11.
Spain eventually triumphed over Argentina 1-0 after a thrilling 30 minutes of extra time.
Shakira has performed at four of the last six World Cups. She sang Hips Don't Lie at the closing ceremony of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Waka Waka in 2010 in South Africa and La La La in Brazil in 2014.
Dai Dai is the official anthem of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Shakira partnered with Global Citizen and FIFA to provide access to education for children in underserved communities, with record royalties from Dai Dai being donated to the Education Fund, and Sony Music will match the first $250,000 raised with a donation.
Shakira also mingled with Beyonce at the sporting event. On Sunday, she shared a snap of the pair embracing each other on Instagram.
