Was it or wasn't it? Shakira and the conspiracy theory that went viral after the 2026 World Cup opening

The 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico has sparked an unexpected online debate: was it really Shakira who performed?

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It's not Shaki. Something happened urgently at the last minute and I feel like they called a double at the last moment, because she doesn't have her energy, nor does she look the same, and then she comes out with glasses. What do you think?

Following the brief and reportedly uninspired spectacle at the Estadio Azteca, social media users began questioning the identity of the singer who performed the FIFA official song. Arguments ranged from her perceived height difference to her uncharacteristic stage presence and failure to remove her sunglasses. "It's not Shaki. Something happened urgently at the last minute and I feel like they called a double at the last moment, because she doesn't have her energy, nor does she look the same, and then she comes out with glasses," one user on X claimed.

Speculation intensified, with some users suggesting that Shakibecca, a Venezuelan impersonator known for her resemblance to the Colombian superstar and even endorsed by Shakira herself, might have been the performer. This theory gained traction as users pointed to differences in her movements and overall appearance compared to the usual Shakira.

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Don't fool me, that wasn't Shakira

However, another user on X attempted to quell the rumors by highlighting a scar on Shakira's forehead, a detail many had overlooked, suggesting it was definitive proof of her presence. Neither Shakira nor FIFA have officially addressed the conspiracy theories. The Colombian singer herself shared backstage photos on Instagram with fellow performers like Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Danny Ocean, offering a glimpse into the event without directly commenting on the online speculation.

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This is not Shakira even by a long shot