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World Cup Anthems: From One Song to a Global Playlist
27 May
Summary
- FIFA began adopting official songs in 1990, not 1930.
- Ricky Martin's 'Cup of Life' was a major hit in 1998.
- The 2022 World Cup featured multiple official songs for the first time.
FIFA's adoption of official World Cup songs began in 1990, transforming the tournament's soundtrack over time. These anthems have historically launched artists to global fame, a prime example being Ricky Martin's 1998 hit 'Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida).'
Shakira's 2010 anthem 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' also achieved massive international success, becoming one of the most viewed songs on YouTube. This marked a significant point in the evolution of World Cup music.
In a notable change, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar introduced a multi-song soundtrack for the first time, featuring artists like Trinidad Cardona, Davido, and Aisha. This approach continued for the 2026 World Cup in North America, with a curated collection of songs from diverse international artists.
