The Colombian star headlined the show in South Africa on 10 June (10) to kick off the tournament, singing the official 2010 FIFA World Cup anthem, Waka Waka (This time for Africa).
Shakira admits she was overwhelmed by the experience, along with her delighted parents who expressed their pride in a tearful phone call from their home country.
Speaking on James Corden's World Cup Live show, she says, "That was amazing... one of the most memorable moments - of not only my career but of my life. It was just so emotional. I think that the fact that the World Cup is taking place in Africa just makes it extra special. South Africa is also a country that has so much history and it was just one of those moments I'm sure I'll never forget.
"You know, my mum, my dad, everybody called me from Colombia, they were crying... It was especially emotional for a lot of people. I don't know why. There was something in the air that day."