The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Mexico City with a spectacular celebration and performance by Shakira. But was it actually her on that stage? The internet had thoughts—lots of them.
People online were convinced that a body double took over during her performance of “Dai Dai” with Nigerian artist Burna Boy at the Estadio Azteca stadium on June 11. Fans dissected every movement, every gesture, and every facial expression. They swore it wasn’t really the Colombian superstar. But here’s where things get interesting: a body language expert decided to investigate these claims and break down exactly what went down. And their verdict? Pretty revealing.
Let’s talk about what this expert found.
Inbaal Honigman is a body language expert with over 20 years of media experience. She’s been featured in outlets like Big Brother’s Little Brother, Elle Magazine, and talkSPORT radio, breaking down everything from pop culture moments to current events through the lens of body language.
Honigman explained that belly dancing is about so much more than hip movement. “Belly dancing mainly involves the undulation of the hips and torso, but strong, stabilising footwork and rolling, flowing hand gestures are also typical,” she said. Here’s where it gets specific: Shakira’s signature pointed forefinger is genuinely unique in the belly dancing world. “This pointed index finger has accompanied Shakira throughout her entire career,” Honigman noted, adding that this particular gesture is highly unusual within belly dance spaces.
“The gesture suggests that this is either Shakira herself, or someone who has spent a very long time unlearning standard belly dance movements and adopting one of Shakira’s most specific quirks,” the expert said. That’s either dedication to the craft or just proof it was really her.
So was it the real Shakira or a body double?
According to Honigman’s analysis, it was definitely the real deal. The expert examined the “Whenever, Wherever” songstress’s facial structure and walking style to reach this conclusion.
“When Shakira turns and smiles at Burna Boy during the performance, her slightly forward-placed chin is seen in profile, and it is unmistakably Shakira,” Honigman insisted. She’s always had a strong jawline that’s become one of her most distinctive features—the kind of defining characteristic that sticks with you through a career spanning decades.
“This chin-heavy profile suggests that this is indeed Shakira, as it is an unusual facial feature, and certainly not one that would typically be requested from a surgeon. It’s been part of her natural face shape all along.”
But there’s more. Honigman looked at how Shakira walks. “In fan clips of Shakira walking onto and off the pitch, her gait appears to favor her right side. Her right leg and hip seem stronger than the left, causing her right hip to rise slightly higher, her right leg to step out more powerfully, and her right stride to be marginally longer.”
“This is consistent with older footage of Shakira simply walking around New York with her children. Her hips truly don’t lie,” Honigman added. “The Colombian star’s gait and pace during the World Cup opening match appeared much the same as they always have. It’s a subtle quirk, but it’s definitely there.” Those little movements we don’t always notice? They’re what make someone uniquely themselves.
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