ANKET What is your favorite anthem of the World Cup?

The World Cup has always been more than just a competition of football skills—it's also a cultural phenomenon marked by music that resonates globally. From the early days of the tournament, songs have played a vital role in shaping its identity and creating lasting memories for fans around the world. While FIFA officially entered the music business in 1990, the tradition of associating music with the World Cup began much earlier, often organically and spontaneously. One of the earliest examples was the Chilean rock band Los Ramblers, who created “El Rock del Mundial” for the 1962 World Cup in Chile. This song, though not commissioned officially, became a massive hit in South America and demonstrated how music could unite fans behind their national teams.

The turning point came in 1998 when Ricky Martin released “The Cup of Life,” which set a new standard for World Cup anthems. His energetic Latin pop style combined with memorable lyrics created a global phenomenon that launched Martin into superstardom. The song became synonymous with the 1998 World Cup held in France and proved that a catchy rhythm could transcend borders and capture the spirit of the tournament regardless of the host nation. Even before that, the anthem for Italy’s 1990 World Cup, “Un’estate Italiana,” had already gained immense popularity, but Martin’s track showed that the formula could be replicated successfully on a larger scale.

Shakira took the baton from Martin and refined it further with her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Combining Afro-Colombian and South African rhythms, the song became a cultural milestone and broke numerous records. For Shakira personally, the song carried special significance as she met footballer Gerard Piqué during the music video shoot, eventually leading to their relationship and marriage. To this day, “Waka Waka” remains a staple of her live performances, serving as a reminder of the life-changing moment it brought her.

Sixteen years after her most significant success, Shakira once again found herself at the center of attention at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She performed the song “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy, although the performance received some criticism. In contrast, previous World Cup anthems were often criticized for being generic. For example, the collaboration between Nicky Jam and Will Smith on “Live It Up” for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was described as cynical and devoid of emotion, a mere attempt to appease the audience without genuine connection.

In Croatia, the legacy of World Cup anthems is equally rich. The song “Igraj moja Hrvatska” was instrumental in bringing luck to the Croatian team during their historic silver medal win at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Eight years later, a new anthem titled “Igraju Hrvati” was introduced by the Zagreb-based group Zaprešić Boys. Marko Novosel, a member of the group, mentioned that they felt inspired by the 20-year anniversary of the release of “Srce vatreno,” a classic Croatian anthem, and decided to create a sequel called “Srce vatreno 2.” This new track aims to carry forward the spirit of Croatian football while adapting to contemporary musical trends.

Croatia has its own set of iconic football chants, but the World Cup has also left behind songs that millions have sung worldwide. As early as 1998, when Croatia won its first-ever bronze medal, the stadium echoed with Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida.” Eight years later, Shakira made her debut on the global football stage with “Hips Don’t Lie.” Although Croatia did not participate in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Shakira’s “Waka Waka” became synonymous with the tournament itself. Four years later in Brazil, she performed “La La La,” but the biggest hit of that tournament remained “We Are One,” performed by Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the tradition of using music to enhance the experience continues. Whether it's through the nostalgic echoes of past anthems or the fresh energy of new tracks, the World Cup remains a celebration not only of football but also of the universal power of music to bring people together. Each generation contributes its own sound, ensuring that the legacy of these tournaments lives on through both sport and song.