Shakira's recent performance at the FIFA World Cup halftime show marked a full-circle moment for one of her backup dancers, Shayna-Renee Wheatley. Wheatley, who had competed on Shakira's show "Dancing With Myself" in 2022, shared on Instagram how the singer's encouragement after her competition loss directly led to her performing with Shakira on a global stage.
During the finale of "Dancing With Myself," Shakira told Wheatley that she possessed the talent to dance for either Shakira herself or Beyoncé. Years later, Wheatley found herself on stage with Shakira during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, performing alongside her. Wheatley expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that the moment was a testament to perseverance and faith.
"There are moments that remind you why you never stop believing," Wheatley wrote in her caption, accompanying a video montage of Shakira's encouragement and their performance. "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."
Wheatley recounted Shakira's specific words: "Shakira looked at me and said I could dance for her... or Beyonce one day." She reflected on the significance of the World Cup performance: "Yesterday, four years later, I danced with Shakira on one of the biggest stages in the world for the FIFA Halftime Show. @fifaworldcup !! In the words of Shakira “Here in this space, you belong”!!!!"
She further elaborated on the serendipitous nature of the event, stating, "God has a way of writing stories that are bigger than the ones we could ever imagine for ourselves. This wasn’t just another job. It was a reminder that no dream, no word spoken over your life, and no season of waiting is ever wasted."
Wheatley encouraged her followers to continue pursuing their aspirations, adding, "In time it will reveal itself, you just have to continue to walk in the right direction and know you have favor on your life. To everyone who believed in me, encouraged me, hired me, and most importantly prayed for me, and helped make this moment possible thank you."
She concluded her message by urging others to "Keep showing up. Keep preparing. Keep believing. What’s meant for you will find you exactly when it’s supposed to…. as long as you PLANT THOSE SEEDS, do the work you need to do and do what makes sense."
Shakira co-headlined the historic first-ever World Cup final halftime show, performing her hit "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy. The song is the official anthem of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with Shakira partnering with Global Citizen and FIFA to promote access to education for children in underserved communities. Royalties from the song are being donated to the Education Fund, with Sony Music matching the first $250,000 raised.
During the event, Shakira also reconnected with singer Beyoncé, sharing a photograph of them embracing on social media. Shakira has a long history with the FIFA World Cup, having performed at four of the last six tournaments, including "Hips Don't Lie" in 2006, "Waka Waka" in 2010, and "La La La" in 2014. Spain ultimately won the final match against Argentina 1-0 after extra time.