RIO DE JANEIRO: Pop star Shakira will perform before the World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, headlining a closing ceremony that includes guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana and rapper Wyclef Jean.
Shakira, who is making her third straight World Cup appearance, will sing “La la la (Brazil 2014)” with Brazilian star Carlinhos Brown, FIFA said in a statement on Wednesday.
Santana, Wyclef and Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires will perform the tournament’s official anthem, “Dar Um Jeito” at the legendary Maracana Stadium.
Pires will also perform a medley of local music with Brazilian star Ivete Sangalo. “I’m thrilled to be performing my song ‘La la la (Brazil 2014)’ at the 2014 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony,” said Shakira, who had a son last year with Spain defender Gerard Pique.
“I have an intricate relationship with football for obvious reasons, and I truly understand what the World Cup means to so many people, myself included.” While FIFA announced the musical lineup, eight teams are left battling for two spots at the Maracana, but defending champions Spain were already eliminated in the group phase.
Shakira’s native Colombia will play Brazil in the quarter-final on Friday following France-Germany. On Saturday, Argentina play Belgium followed by Netherlands-Costa Rica.
