From 'El Mundial' to 'Waka Waka': Tracing the evolution of FIFA World Cup anthems

FIFA's journey into the world of official World Cup music has evolved significantly, with its dedicated music division, FIFA Sound, now a major player. Established in 2021 in partnership with Universal Music Group, FIFA Sound functions much like a record label, complete with A&R scouts identifying potential hits and a role in selecting stadium music for major tournaments.

This year marks a significant milestone with the "Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album," featuring 18 tracks and garnering over 300 million streams. However, FIFA's official endorsement of pop anthems is a relatively recent phenomenon. It wasn't until 1990 that then-president João Havelange approved Giorgio Moroder's "Un’estate italiana" as the official song for the World Cup in Italy. Interestingly, the BBC bypassed FIFA's official selection by using Luciano Pavarotti's famous rendition of "Nessun Dorma" during its broadcasts, leading to a memorable performance by the tenor before the final.

FIFA recognized the power of popular music and began integrating contemporary pop artists into subsequent tournaments. The 1998 World Cup in France saw Ricky Martin's "La Copa de la Vida" bring a Latin explosion, while Anastacia's "Boom" marked the 2002 Korea-Japan event. The peak of FIFA's pop music engagement arguably came in 2010 with Shakira and Freshlyground's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" from South Africa, which topped charts globally and remains FIFA's most streamed song.

While official anthems gained prominence later, each World Cup has had its own musical identity. The 1978 World Cup in Argentina commissioned Ennio Morricone to compose "El Mundial," considered the first commissioned World Cup anthem. Even the inaugural 1930 tournament in Uruguay embraced "Uruguayos Campeones" by Omar Odriozola as a lyrical basis for a national composition, demonstrating that music has always been intertwined with the World Cup, even before official FIFA sanctioning.