Music moves this beautiful game, from World Cup songs to musical themes that have spurred football stars to dance on the pitch.
The FIFA World Cup as a global sporting event has over the decades seen both unofficial and official songs whether loved or hated dedicated to the beautiful game of football. It’s a massive event that is felt practically everywhere in the world, particularly in participating countries.
The official songs that complement the games are one of the factors that contribute to the world cup’s popularity. It is one of the few instances in which the world unites together for a common objective.
Passion, athleticism, and the wonderful diversity of peoples and traditions combine to create a competition that literally billions of people look forward to. Aside from the games, the World Cup has become widely known for delivering some incredible music. With such amazing theme songs to choose from, music artists all around the world have produced some incredible jams.
The football governing body has encouraged and authorized the creation and distribution of various official world cup songs for each World Cup. Advertisers and sponsors of the World Cup songs utilize these world cup songs to promote the tournament and spread awareness for their brands. In essence, the world cup songs are the most memorable moments for the greater part of the fans, since they resonate in our minds for years after.
With every world cup song being an inextricable part of the game tradition, the first official song for the World Cup was sung back in Chile in 1962, and ever since each tournament has had its own world cup song that has been widely accepted by the fans.
Here are 5 of the most sensational world cup songs
- USA 1994 – (“Gloryland”, Daryl Hall & Sounds Of Blackness)
One unique thing about this song is the fact that it brings out the best of American culture and it carries a very high spirit and character of an American song.
Although Gloryland wasn’t as groovy and upbeat in these parts of the world as it was back in the USA, however, it sure served its purpose as the official song for the world cup.
According to the report, Gloryland is one of the most famous songs dedicated to the game which is well accepted in the USA for the way it expresses celebration and happiness.
- France 1998 – (“La Copa De La Vida”, Ricky Martin)
The official theme song for the World Cup in 1998 was an electrifying anthem that was backed by vibrant horns and energetic drums which depicts the singer’s vocal performance on stage and on the dance floor.
From the start of the song to the end Martin’s powerful vocals and spirited lyrics captivated the fans, helping them enjoy every fun and the bright atmosphere that the world cup often brings.
La Copa De La Vida sang by the Puerto Rico singer simply means “The Cup of Life”, and as far as the World Cup song is concerned, it’s received highly positive reviews from music critics all over the globe who complimented its lyrics, energy, appearing on the charts in over 30 countries and how well the fans accepted it.
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- Russia 2018 – (“Live It Up”, Nicky Jam, Will Smith, & Era Istrefi)
The 2018 world cup song was made possible with the beautiful combination of Kosovo-Albanian singer Era Istrefi who puts in her best Rihanna vibes for the chorus, featuring Nicky Jam, and Will Smith.
The song was ranked number one on Panama’s music charts as well as in the top 10 in Hungary, Poland, Bolivia, and Argentina. Although the theme song was met with negative reviews with many song critics criticizing its generic, synthetic sound and detachment between the song’s genre and the tournament’s host.
However, the song was well accepted by the fans for its production and epicness with horns blaring throughout the song.
- Brazil 2014 – (“Ole Ola”, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte)
Ole Ola means “We Are One” was the official theme song for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, recorded by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.
The song is well renowned all over the globe for its vibes and how well Pitbull brings his stage energy to the fore to consolidate Leitte’s vocals and Lopez’s presence in the track even though the song didn’t have more of Jennifer Lopez’s vocals in it.
While the theme song received a lot of positive reviews from critics, on the other hand, it’s also received some level of negative reactions from Brazilians over its lack of Brazilian vibes. However, the song enjoyed huge commercial success reaching the top 20 in countries including Austria, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.
Meanwhile, the one done by singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc for the Coca-Cola title ‘The World Is Ours’ captures the spirit and excitement of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and also ranks as one of the most famous and listened to songs during the tournament and after.
- South Africa 2010 – (“Waka Waka”, Shakira & Freshlyground)
To say ‘Waka Waka’ the theme song for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa is arguably the most famous song dedicated to the beautiful game of football is an understatement.
This Time For Africa” racked up a staggering 1.8 billion views on YouTube is a testament to how well football enthusiasts and neutrals accepted it for its vibes.
While Shakira’s Waka Waka is the official theme song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, K’naan Wavin Flag’ was another global hit that can be said to be the unofficial song chosen as Coca-Cola’s promotional anthem for the World Cup.
The song reached the top 10 in more than twenty different music charts around the world, and to date, the song still stands as one of the most famous and favorite world cup songs for the fans.
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Honorable mentions
- Ever wondered where this World Cup song frenzy started? “El Rock del Mundial”, Los Ramblers
- The Big Leagues was the official anthem of 1998 by Youssou N’Dour & Axelle Red. While Martin’s “The Cup of Life” was the official song.
- “Wavin’ Flag”: K’naan: Originally written by the Somali-Canadian artist as an inspirational song for Somalia, “Wavin Flag’ was remade as Coca-Cola’s 2010 World Cup song
