Shakira sparks bizarre ‘body double’ conspiracy theory following World Cup performance
A bizarre conspiracy theory has exploded online following Shakira’s show-stopping performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Colombian megastar took centre stage in front of thousands of fans at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, delivering a high-energy performance that quickly became one of the tournament's biggest talking points.
While the World Cup is supposed to be all about football, fans around the globe were just as eager to see the star-studded lineup, which included fellow Colombian sensation J Balvin, Burna Boy, Fher Olvera and Danny Ocean, Shakira helped kick off the tournament in spectacular fashion.
At this point, the World Cup and Shakira are practically inseparable. This year, the singer performed 'Dai Dai', the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The title that translates as "come on, come on" in Italian. But despite the music, fireworks and celebrations, a strange theory soon began dominating social media.
Advert
Some viewers are convinced that the woman on stage wasn't Shakira at all.
Social media 'sleuths' began sharing screenshots and video clips they claimed supported the odd idea that a body double had been used during the performance.
As Shakira raced across the pitch surrounded by dancers, pyrotechnics and flashing lights, she sported a bright yellow top, white shorts, chunky trainers and sunglasses. For conspiracy-minded fans, that was enough to raise questions.
Some argued the sunglasses obscured too much of her face. Others claimed her hair looked slightly different from usual. A few even pointed to her sporty outfit as evidence, despite the fact she was performing at the opening ceremony of the world's biggest football tournament.
Soon, amateur internet detectives were comparing side-by-side images from the ceremony with older photos of the singer, searching for clues.
"That is not Shakira, it is a double," one user declared.
"I'm crying, how is it that they've put Shakira's stunt double at the inauguration????" another joked.
A third added: "Forgive me, but that isn't Shakira."
The theory quickly spread beyond X and onto Reddit, where users dissected everything from her hairstyle to her stage wardrobe in an attempt to prove their case.
There's just one major problem with the conspiracy. High-resolution photographs from the event appear to show the same distinctive mark on Shakira's forehead that fans have seen for years. Critics of the theory have also pointed out the obvious question: why would organisers go to the extraordinary effort of finding someone who not only looks almost identical to the 'She Wolf' singer, but can also match her voice, stage presence and performance ability?
Official FIFA broadcasts and event photography all identify the performer as Shakira, not a mysterious stand-in.
So far, no credible evidence has emerged to support the claim, and no major organisation involved with the event has acknowledged the rumour.
Still, Tyla has reached out to Shakira's representatives for comment.
Greg Harris