Tonight, the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially begins in America with the third of its three opening ceremonies, held in Los Angeles. Among the headliners—which include Katy Perry and Future—Brazilian pop star Anitta performed her official FIFA World Cup song "Goals," a collaboration with K-Pop star LISA and Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rema. For such a monumental global stage, Anitta turned to H&M Studio for a custom, sport-inspired look that perfectly matched the event's energy and her own Brazilian heritage.
The pop star worked closely with both the H&M Studio team and her stylist, Janelle Miller, to create an outfit that embodied the joy, passion, and pride she associates with the World Cup. "When you think about the World Cup, you think about joy, passion, pride," Anitta said. "I wanted people to watch me perform and feel that." The collaboration resulted in a striking ensemble that blended theatricality, warrior spirit, and unmistakable Brazilian flair.
Anitta emerged on stage in a hooded cape reminiscent of those worn by boxers entering the ring. "When I walk out on that stage, I want it to be a moment," she explained. "The cape brings that theatrical, almost epic feeling. It's like, she's here! It also has this warrior energy that I really connect with." Beneath the cape, she wore a stark white wraparound crop top with sheer sleeves and strategic cutouts, paired with white chaps adorned with rhinestone-covered cargo pockets. A crystal-embellished belt with elongated chains and a matching rhinestone harness added a layer of sparkle to the entire look.
Miller described the inspiration as a mix of Carnival energy, typical superhero costumes, and an abundance of sparkle. "The attitude, the energy: It's all Brazil," she said. "Even if you've never been to Brazil, I want you to feel what it's like to be Brazilian in that moment." Anitta also prioritized movement, noting that she dances heavily during performances. "The look needs to work with my body," she said. The final design allowed her to move freely while maintaining a visually striking presence.
Anitta and H&M: A Year-Long Partnership
This custom outfit was not a surprise collaboration. Anitta has fronted multiple campaigns for H&M throughout their now year-long partnership. "When this epic moment came up for Anitta to perform, it made total sense to create something together with H&M for it," said Miller. Anitta praised the brand's accessibility: "I love that their fashion is accessible to everyone. That matters a lot to me." The partnership reflects Anitta's commitment to combining high-fashion aesthetics with mass-market reach.
Anitta's connection to H&M goes beyond this single event. She previously starred in the brand's holiday campaign and has been a vocal advocate for inclusive fashion. The World Cup performance marks the culmination of this collaboration, showcasing how a global pop star can work with a fast-fashion retailer to create a custom look that feels both exclusive and democratic.
Background: Anitta's Rise to Global Stardom
Born Larissa de Macedo Machado in Rio de Janeiro, Anitta began her career as a singer in the favelas of Honório Gurgel. She gained initial fame in Brazil with her 2013 hit "Show das Poderosas," which topped the charts and established her as a pop powerhouse. Since then, she has released multiple albums, including "Kisses" (2019) and "Versions of Me" (2022), the latter of which featured collaborations with artists like Cardi B and Myke Towers.
Her breakthrough into the international market came with the 2016 single "Sim ou Não" featuring Colombian singer Maluma, followed by the 2017 hit "Downtown" with J Balvin. In 2020, she became the first Brazilian artist to win an MTV Video Music Award for her song "Me Gusta" featuring Cardi B and Myke Towers. Her music blends funk carioca, pop, reggaeton, and Latin trap, reflecting her diverse influences.
Anitta's influence extends beyond music. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women's empowerment, and racial equality in Brazil. In 2021, she was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, and in 2022, she performed at Coachella and the MTV Europe Music Awards. Her global reach has made her a natural choice for the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
The Official World Cup Song: "Goals"
The single "Goals" brings together three major forces in global pop music: Brazilian funk, K-Pop, and Afrobeats. Anitta collaborated with LISA from Blackpink and Rema, the Nigerian Afrobeats star known for his hit "Calm Down." The song is designed to be an anthem for the World Cup, blending high-energy beats with patriotic themes. In interviews, Anitta described the track as "a celebration of football and the cultures that come together for the World Cup."
The collaboration reflects FIFA's effort to embrace global music trends. Previous World Cup songs have ranged from Shakira's "Waka Waka" (2010) to "We Are One" by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte (2014). For 2026, the choice of an all-star lineup representing Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria highlights the tournament's international appeal. "Goals" is expected to be a fixture in stadiums during the month-long event.
Fashion and Football: A Symbiotic Relationship
Anitta's custom H&M look is the latest example of the deep connection between fashion and football. From David Beckham's Armani campaigns to Ronaldo's own CR7 clothing line, footballers and performers alike have used fashion to amplify their personal brands. The World Cup opening ceremony, broadcast to billions, serves as a global catwalk where artists can make bold statements.
Historically, the opening ceremonies have featured iconic fashion moments: Shakira's belly-baring top in 2010, Jennifer Lopez's sequined leotard in 2014, and Madonna's gold-lamé bustier in 1994. Anitta's choice of H&M—a brand known for affordability—breaks with the tradition of luxury brands like Versace or Dolce & Gabbana. This shift signals a democratization of style, where high-impact looks can be achieved with accessible materials and manufacturing.
The use of Carnival references in Anitta's outfit is also significant. Brazil's Carnival is a world-famous celebration of music, dance, and elaborate costumes. By incorporating elements like sparkle, feathers (implied in the cape), and vibrant energy, Anitta pays homage to her roots while introducing global audiences to Brazilian culture. The superhero undertones reflect the athlete-like status of pop stars, who are often seen as warriors on stage.
The reaction to Anitta's performance has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with praise for the outfit, with many noting how it perfectly captured the spirit of the World Cup. Fashion critics highlighted the technical craftsmanship, including the intricate rhinestone work and the careful tailoring that allowed for dynamic movement. The performance itself was praised for its energy and precision, solidifying Anitta's reputation as one of the most dynamic live performers today.
Anitta's partnership with H&M is likely to continue beyond the World Cup. The brand has hinted at a capsule collection inspired by the performance, which would bring elements of the look to a wider audience. Such moves are typical of fast-fashion brands looking to capitalize on viral moments—H&M previously released a collection after Beyoncé's Ivy Park collaboration, and Zara frequently drops looks inspired by red-carpet events.
Looking ahead, Anitta has several projects in the pipeline. She is expected to release a new album in 2026, possibly tying in to the World Cup hype. Her tour schedule includes dates in Europe and Asia, and she continues to be a sought-after collaborator for international artists. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and cultures makes her a key figure in the globalization of pop music.
The FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles marks a milestone for both Anitta and the tournament. For Anitta, it is a homecoming of sorts—she has lived in the United States for several years and has become a fixture in American pop culture. For the World Cup, it signals a new era of inclusivity and diverse representation, with headliners from multiple genres and backgrounds. As Anitta said before the show, "It's surreal, honestly. I'm so happy and honored to be able to represent my country in something this big." Her custom H&M look, with its warrior cape, sparkly harness, and Brazilian-infused aesthetic, will be remembered as a defining image of the 2026 tournament.
Source:MSN News