Fans Think Shakira Used a Body Double at the World Cup Opening Ceremony

As conspiracy theories go, this one had the usual ingredients: a global stage, a famous face, sunglasses, and a generous helping of zoomed-in video clips.

Some viewers said the performance felt different

The rumor did not stop at how she looked. Some fans argued that the performance itself seemed unusually low-energy for Shakira, who is known for sharp choreography and a very specific stage presence.

“It’s not Shaki,” one person claimed. “Something urgent came up at the last minute, and I feel like at the very last second they called in a stunt double, because she doesn’t have her energy, nor does she look the same, and then she comes out wearing glasses.”

That idea spread quickly among viewers who felt the opening-ceremony version of the singer did not match the performer they expected to see. The theory, however, remains just that: a theory shared by fans online, not a verified claim.

Others pushed back on the body double claim

Not everyone bought it. Some users pointed out the obvious logistical problem with the idea that a replacement performer could be found at the last minute, learn the choreography, match the staging, and step into one of the biggest live events in sport without anyone noticing.

One tweet summed up the skepticism: “A last-minute body double who learned the full choreography, synced moves, and even the forehead mark in 30 minutes?”

That forehead mark became part of the counterargument, with some viewers saying the performer had a recognizable scar or mark matching Shakira’s appearance.

Shakira is still expected at the World Cup final

There has been no confirmation that anyone other than Shakira performed at the opening ceremony. For now, the discussion is another example of how quickly a live performance can become a frame-by-frame public investigation.

Fans are also expected to see more of her during the tournament. Shakira is scheduled to perform at the half-time show during the World Cup final, alongside BTS.

So the debate may not be finished. The internet, regrettably or efficiently depending on your view, does not usually retire a theory after one event.