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Get ready to reminisce about the extraordinary winter of 2022! The 22nd FIFA World Cup, a global celebration for soccer enthusiasts, unfolded in Qatar from November 20 to December 18, 2022. As we look back at this quadrennial spectacle, it's not just the on-field moments that captivated us; the unforgettable music also played a pivotal role. Take, for instance, the anthem "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)", the inaugural track from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 official soundtrack. An uplifting composition that embodied the unifying power of music and soccer, setting the stage for a memorable tournament.
Now, in 2024, let's delve into the top 10 best World Cup theme songs of all time, celebrating the highlights of the tournament and music that has left an indelible mark on the world stage.
Besides Hayya Hayya (Better Together), do you want to recall the memories and relive the classical World Cup theme songs? Now, let's take a look at the top 10 World Cup theme songs of all time and see if there are any you like.
1. The Cup of Life (La copa de la vida)
Views on YouTube: 76M for the remastered version, and 21M for the normal version
Singer: Ricky Martin
Release Year: 1998
I am listing the song as the No.1. The Cup of Life, or La copa de la vida in Spanish, is a classical World Cup song recorded and sung by Ricky Martin, a Puerto Rican singer. It was released on March 3, 1998, as the second single from the album Vueve. The Cup of Life became the official theme song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and topped the music charts in France and over 30 countries around the world.
The Cup of Life tripped off the tongue and went viral even after the World Cup. It became the number-one choice for many soccer programs to set the mood. The rhythms of the drums and horns in the song are very emotional. It is the best World Cup theme ever in many people's hearts and still sounds so fresh in 2023. Some think it should literally be the national anthem of the World Cup.
2. We Are the Champions
Views on YouTube: 254M
Singer: Queen (British rock band)
Release Year: 1978
We Are the Champions, one of Queen's most famous singles, was composed by the band's lead singer Freddie Mercury and released from the album News of the World (1977) in early 1978. In 1994, We Are the Champions became the theme song of the World Cup in the United States.
In the 1970s, British heavy metal bands often gave the impression of being unkempt and downbeat, except for the band "Queen", which showed a sense of aristocracy in their dress and demeanor. They were dressed in a luxurious and glamorous manner, with an air of royal artistry. Also released at the same time was the super classic "We Will Rock You". Both songs are known for their uplifting and heart-stopping sound and have therefore been used for numerous sporting and even political occasions. They are now commonly used in various sporting events to promote sportsmanship.
This song is easy to resonate with people. Especially, those who are in a fiercely competitive environment, and reach the top after hard work and hardship, can feel the great impact of the soul. Repeatedly tasted, the song also carries a faint sadness, because the glory and dream are always accompanied by endless pain and loss.
3. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)
Views on YouTube: 3.2B
Singer: Shakira
Release Year: 2010
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), sung by Colombian singer Shakira, is the official theme song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song is included in Shakira's 2010 album of the same name, which is full of passion and expresses the spirit and energy of the World Cup in South Africa. The song's dance moves are passionate and exuberant, reflecting a strong African style and highlighting the infectious artistic power of African dance. Shakira performed this song at the closing ceremony of the World Cup together with the local South African group Freshlyground.
"Waka Waka" is an African Swahili verb meaning flame, to burn passionately, to shine, etc. It is commonly used in East African countries and is also the official word of the African Union and many other countries. The dance movements of the song have been carefully edited, with passionate and open movements. In the dance, there are a few sections where the hands are joined together and the limbs are danced joyfully. When the melody of WakaWaka comes, it jumps out with the African tap steps and the bright rhythm of the song, with simple but impressive movements. These original and natural dance movements throughout the song become the most iconic movements of the song.
For many fans, listening to "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" not only brings them closer to the feeling of Africa but more importantly, to the wonderful figure of Shakira, which combined together makes it a classic piece of music in the history of the World Cup.
4. Wavin' Flag
Views on YouTube: 403M
Singer: K'naan
Release Year: 2009
Many people mistakenly believe that Wavin’ Flag is an official World Cup theme song, but in fact, it is a promotional song by Coca-Cola in collaboration with the official South African World Cup.
As early as the end of 2009, the organizing committee of the World Cup in South Africa chose this song as the theme promotion song of this year's World Cup in South Africa from among the many songs entered.
The song was performed by K'naan, a 31-year-old Somali hip-hop singer from Canada, on a track from his album "Troubadour" released in February 2009. The song has a strong African flavor and expresses an undying love for this land although it is full of war, poverty, and backwardness. After months of distribution, especially with the commercial partnership with Coca-Cola, the song did a good job of warming up for the World Cup, giving a sense of African rhythm never seen before in the history of the World Cup from the strong tropical flavor of the music.
5. We Are One (Ole Ola)
Views on YouTube: 856M
Singer: Pitbull
Release Year: 2014
We Are One (Ole Ola) is the official theme song of the World Cup in Brazil by Cuban-American singer Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte. The song was officially announced as the official theme song of the World Cup on January 23, 2014. With lyrics by Pip Paulo, "We Are One" is a dynamic, upbeat song that will unleash the passion of Brazil on the world.
The rendition of the three superstars is wonderful, although the popularity of this song is not too high, I personally think this song is still good.
6. La La La
Views on YouTube: 1.2B
Singer: Shakira
Release Year: 2014
La La La is the closing song of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, sung by Shakira. This is the third time in her singing career that Shakira has sung for the World Cup, the first two being in 2006 (closing ceremony) and 2010 (opening ceremony).
The song was redesigned to better reflect the World Cup event and was officially released on May 27. Carlinhos Brown, a famous Brazilian musician, also joined the song. The song's music video features participants including Gerard Pique, Leo Messi, Cesc Fabregas, Silva, Abidal, and others, all appearing with their signature smiles.
7. Live It Up
Views on YouTube: 40M
Singer: Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi
Release Year: 2018
Live It Up is the theme song of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Produced by American DJ Diplo, the song was joined and sung by three international stars, including famous actor and hip-hop singer Will Smith, American Hispanic rap king Nicky Jam, and Albanian singer Era Istrefi.
Live It Up was determined by FIFA as the official theme song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on May 23, 2018. It was released on May 25, 2018. The lyrics are to the effect that let's party hard and enjoy the passion brought by soccer.
8. The Time of Our Lives
Views on YouTube: 9M
Singer: Il Divo and Toni Braxton
Release Year: 2006
The Time of Our Lives is a song by the group Il Divo and the singer Toni Braxton, released on June 9, 2006. This song serves as the anthem of the 2006 soccer World Cup held in Germany. The song was written by Jörgen Elofsson and composed by Steve Mac. This title, which is interpreted during the opening and the closing of the ceremony, makes of these artists, the first interpreters to sing during the opening and closing ceremonies.
More than one billion viewers worldwide enjoyed the theme song on television at that time. The single had become one of the top songs and received many prized in Europe.
9. Un'estate italiana
Views on YouTube: 8.5M
Singer: Gianna Nannini & Edoardo Bennato
Release Year: 1990
Un'estate italiana is the official song of the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. The song was composed by Giorgio Moroder, Gianna Nannini, and Giorgio Moroder. There are several versions of the song, the English version is titled: "To Be Number One". Because it was composed by the Italian electronic music master Giorgio, there has also been a remixed version with a strong rhythm. Both original singers are the most famous Italian pop masters and the song was also written in collaboration between the two. The English version was performed by Giorgio Moroder, the most famous Italian electronic music pioneer. The Cantonese version called "Ideal and Peace" was transformed by the Hong Kong superfan Alan Tam.
Un'estate italiana is perhaps the most successful World Cup theme song and is still enjoyed by veteran fans and fans alike. The Italians combined the sea breeze of the Apennines and the soccer kingdom's understanding of the game into a charming and uplifting song. One legend after another, the World Cup 1990 brought together a wealth of classic elements. Older fans still remember the year Argentina stumbled their way to the final, where they were greeted by a Germany that had been coached to its peak by Beckenbauer. The final was unforgettable, and when Germany's tenacity met Argentina, who could do anything for victory, their collision was destined to be a fiery battle in the history of soccer! Even after more than 20 years, it can still bring people's thoughts to that passionate Italian summer whenever the melody of this song is played.
10. Gloryland
Views on YouTube: 1.4M
Singer: Daryl Hall
Release Year: 1994
Gloryland is the theme song of the 1994 World Cup held in the United States. It has an instrumental version and a vocal version sung by Daryl Hall. The song has a catchy name, but it lacks a heroism feeling. In contrast, the 1994 World Cup compilation album included the works of other major artists such as Queen's "We Are the Champions", which was listed as No.2 in this article and became recognized as the favorite by soccer fans around the world.
Gloryland is closer to a folk-pop-rock combination in musical style, with a sense of the wild west in America. Author and vocalist Daryl wrote the song and invited the gospel group "Sounds of blackness" to help record it in 1994. Because the work lacked resonance with soccer, it quickly faded from people’s memory.
