A Harmonious History: The Legacy of Music at the FIFA World Cup

Music and the FIFA World Cup have shared a longstanding partnership that spans over six decades, bringing together diverse artists and unforgettable melodies that enhance the global spectacle of football. From the electrifying beats of Ricky Martin and the iconic sounds of Vangelis to modern collaborations featuring Shakira and Burna Boy, the world of football has continually embraced the power of music. As we look forward to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, it promises to be a phenomenal event held across various venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Notably, this edition will showcase more participants than ever before and will feature up to three opening ceremonies for the first time. During these ceremonies, one of the official songs, 'Dai Dai' performed by Shakira and Burna Boy, alongside 17 other tracks, will form the most extensive soundtrack ever created for the tournament. Another anthem, titled 'DNA', will be performed by tenor Andrea Bocelli, DJ David Guetta, singer Megan Thee Stallion, and EJAE. These songs are vying for a place in the musical history of the World Cup, continuing a collaboration that has resulted in some of the most memorable anthems in sports. The first major commercial success tied to the World Cup was 'The Cup of Life', performed by Ricky Martin during the France 1998 tournament. Although streaming platforms like Spotify or YouTube were nonexistent at the time to measure its reach, this song topped charts in numerous countries and significantly impacted the Latin music market’s entry into the Anglo-Saxon realm. It marked the dawn of a new era for World Cup anthems, with its legacy enduring through live performances, including a memorable presentation at the 1999 Grammy Awards. Yet, perhaps the most globally recognized anthem is 'Waka Waka (This Is Africa)', created by Shakira for the South Africa 2010 World Cup. Following her earlier contribution in Germany 2006 with 'Hips Don’t Lie', Shakira solidified her connection to the tournament with 'Waka Waka'. The song reached number one in over 50 countries and became a cultural phenomenon, while the music video garnered billions of views. Despite facing accusations of plagiarism, 'Waka Waka' remains an enduring anthem of global football. Before the rise of these modern hits, the foundations of World Cup music were laid with songs like 'The World Cup Rock', the first official World Cup song performed by the Chilean group Los Ramblers during the Chile 1962 tournament. Capturing the spirit of the rock and roll boom, it became a significant commercial success and remains a pivotal moment in music history. Italy’s 'Un'estate italiana' from the 1990 World Cup, performed by Gianna Nannini, is regarded as one of the most prestigious anthems of the tournament, blending passion and melancholy wrapped in a touch of Italian rock. Its emotive quality has earned it a place in the hearts of football fans worldwide. Additionally, the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan featured an instrumental anthem composed by Vangelis, the mastermind behind the legendary 'Chariots of Fire'. Without lyrics, this electronic piece elevated the event's epic nature through its futuristic sound, showcasing the diverse artistic expressions associated with the tournament. Although it’s not an official World Cup anthem, no song resonates more powerfully with sports events than 'We Are the Champions' by Queen. This emblematic track, released in 1977, became a universal sports anthem after its inclusion in the official album during the United States 1994 World Cup. It transformed into a tribute to Freddie Mercury after his passing, forever associating it with victory and celebration. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, fans eagerly await the latest musical creations that will enrich the tournament's legacy. It is through these anthems that the beauty of football is amplified, creating a soundtrack that transcends borders and generations, uniting fans in their love for the game. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2