The Iconic Legacy of FIFA World Cup Anthems
Securing the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup is a career-defining achievement that few artists reach. Beyond the prestige, these tracks often serve as a massive springboard for global recognition, elevating performers to a worldwide stage.
A prime example of this phenomenon occurred in 1998 when Ricky Martin was commissioned by FIFA to provide the voice of the tournament in France. His infectious, high-energy anthem, “The Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida),” didn’t just climb to No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100—it also clinched a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance, cementing his status as an international superstar.
Similarly, Shakira’s 2010 anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” featuring the Afro-fusion group Freshlyground, remains a colossal cultural touchstone. Performed during the tournament in South Africa, the track reached No. 38 on the Hot 100 and has since garnered over 4.5 billion views on YouTube, standing as one of her most enduring and celebrated hits.
Now, as we look toward the 2026 games, the torch is passed to Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian powerhouse Burna Boy, who lead the official song, “Dai Dai”—a vibrant fusion of reggaetón and Afrobeat rhythms.
While the World Cup dates back to 1930, FIFA didn’t officially begin commissioning dedicated tournament songs until 1990. The tradition was inaugurated with “Un’estate italiana (To Be Number One),” performed by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini for the Italian games.
We’ve compiled a definitive list of official FIFA World Cup anthems below. Cast your vote for the track that still gets your heart racing today.
Editor’s Note: The results of our Best World Cup Song poll will be published should we receive more than 1,000 entries. Voting closes at 12:00 PM ET on Thursday, June 11, just before the opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
