Internet convinced Shakira used World Cup body double during half-time show

Viewers think Shakira used a body double during last night's highly anticipated World Cup half-time show.

Before Spain's victory over Argentina, the first of its kind 11-minute spectacle featured stars from around the world, from Madonna and Justin Bieber to Brazilian football superstars Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.

After Bieber’s acoustic version of 'Everything Hallelujah', the ‘Queen of Latin Music’ appeared in a yellow and pink outfit alongside Burna Boy to sing their World Cup anthem Dai Dai.

Fans, however, were convinced that the woman on stage was in fact ShakiBecca, real name is Rebeca Maiellano, who began her career in Venezuela impersonating Shakira in talent shows.

ShakiBecca has been so good at recreating the singing and dancing of Shakira that has been getting bookings as a tribute act for 20 years.

She has gone on to have a global career with covers Shakira's various hits, including World Cup hit 'Waka Waka' and 'Hips Don't Lie'.

Fans thought ShakiBecca performed during World Cup opening ceremony at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium in June instead of Shakira.

Commenting on Shakira's half-time performance, one viewer tweeted: "It is immediately apparent that the Shakira from the inauguration was fake, and that this halftime Shakira is the real one."

"That first one’s not Shakira she literally told us her hips don’t lie! I’m so serious," another penned.

"Shakira didn't wear glasses this time so she doesn't get body double allegations lmfao," a third wrote.

Well, Shakira herself has even praised ShakiBecca's performance in the past, sending a message praising her: "Shakibecca, you've left me speechless. A big kiss. You do it incredibly well, you confused me, for a moment I thought it was me, but I think you do it better."

This has also seen her gain some 660,000 followers on social media, and one photo on Shakibecca's Instagram really showed just how striking the similarity between the pair is.

When the pair actually met, with the picture showing them side by side, and Shakibecca writing: "Thank you for always making time in your busy schedule on this #eldoradoworldtour to share a few golden minutes with the fans who decided to overcome whatever obstacles and trials were necessary to reach you."

Over the years, ShakiBecca has repeatedly stressed that she is a tribute act and has no official affiliation with Shakira's team.

This included in a post on her Instagram, where she wrote a disclaimer in Spanish on a post: "I am Shakibecca, a tribute artist, a professional impersonator of Shakira. I am not Shakira. This profile is independent and is intended solely for the purpose of entertainment and informing."

She added: "I am not affiliated, associated, or officially connected with Shakira or her entities."

Despite her repeated assertions that she is not affiliated with Shakira, FIFA is reportedly now reviewing whether her giving a performance inspired by Shakira and Burna Boy's song 'Dai Dai', the 2026 World Cup's official song, infringes on rights which are associated with the World Cup.

This could potentially include the use of FIFA imagery, visual elements, and branding without being authorised.

LADbible has approached representatives of Shakibecca and Shakira for comment.

Additional words by Kit Roberts.