World Cup 2022 music: Jung Kook, Maluma, Ozuna and more
Music at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar extended from the stadium ceremonies to Doha’s Fan Festival and a multi-song official soundtrack. Billboard’s photo report captured the artists around the tournament; FIFA’s own announcements establish what they performed and where.
Jung Kook and the opening ceremony
FIFA released Jung Kook’s “Dreamers” on November 19 as the latest song in the tournament soundtrack. The BTS member performed it with Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi during the opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, before the first group match between Qatar and Ecuador.
The performance gave the soundtrack a direct place in the televised tournament rather than leaving it as a separate compilation. The photograph above shows that opening-ceremony appearance.
Maluma, Myriam Fares and the Fan Festival
One day before the first match, Maluma and Myriam Fares headlined the opening of the FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park. Their program included “Tukoh Taka,” recorded with Nicki Minaj and released as the first official FIFA Fan Festival anthem. The collaboration was designed around English, Spanish and Arabic voices, matching the international audience in Doha.
Ozuna and the soundtrack at the final
Ozuna’s role centered on “Arhbo,” his soundtrack collaboration with Gims. FIFA’s closing-ceremony program brought the track to Lusail Stadium before the Argentina–France final. The ceremony also included Davido and AISHA with “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” and the performers behind “Light the Sky”: Nora Fatehi, Balqees, Rahma Riad and Manal.
Seen together, these appearances explain why the World Cup music story involved more than one headline act. Jung Kook represented the opening ceremony, Maluma and Myriam Fares helped launch the public Fan Festival, and Ozuna joined the soundtrack presentation at the final.
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