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[2026] FIFA World Cup | Historic Theme Songs That Colored the Tournament
The Soccer World Cup, a festival held once every four years.
On match days, many people find themselves glued to the screen at home or in sports bars, passionately cheering on their teams.
Alongside the thrilling matches, the theme songs also become a major talking point.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of classic tracks that have colored past World Cups.
You might just remember those legendary matches and feel your heart race again!
We’ll also cover songs used in Japanese TV broadcasts and official tournament anthems, so enjoy it all the way to the end!
[2026] FIFA World Cup | A Retrospective of Tournament Theme Songs (1–10)
StardomKing Gnu
The NHK soccer theme song for the FIFA World Cup, “Stardom,” is a track by King Gnu, a four-member Japanese mixture rock band.
The song is used as the theme across NHK’s soccer programming.
Its fiery sound, which stirs up a fighting spirit, carries a message of strong determination to seize victory and the future.
“Kingdom” is their sixth single.
Set to a driving, exhilarating track, it conveys the resolve to overcome setbacks and hardships and claim glory.
Send your cheers to the players through song, deliver your hopes, and fire up their fighting spirit—listen to “Kingdom” and support SAMURAI BLUE.
NIPPONShiina Ringo
This is a song specially written by Ringo Sheena as the theme for NHK’s coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
With a straightforward, fast-paced, and full-bodied band sound, it conveys a sense of power that drives you toward your goals.
Elements that evoke soccer—like rhythms reminiscent of cheering in the stands and tones akin to a referee’s whistle—are cleverly woven in.
While the lyrics are dotted with words that evoke Japan’s national team and the nation itself, the song’s strength isn’t limited to that context; it’s infused with the kind of power that gives courage to anyone striving toward any goal.
Команда 2018 (Komanda, Team 2018)Polina Gagarina, Egor Kreed & DJ Smash
This is a powerful collaborative work by three artists who represent the Russian music scene.
Its charm lies in an up-tempo EDM-based rhythm and highly message-driven sound imbued with a passionate love for football.
Released as one of the official songs for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, the track showcases the full prowess of Polina Gagarina—who took second place at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest—thanks to DJ Smash’s polished production.
It’s a perfect tune not only for football, but as a warm-up for watching any sport.
PositivoJ Balvin, Michael Brun
This track masterfully fuses Haiti’s traditional compas with electronic dance music.
Chosen as the official theme song for Telemundo, the U.S.
Spanish-language broadcaster of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it captured the hearts of soccer fans worldwide.
The song moved listeners around the globe and surpassed 12 million views on YouTube by March 2019.
It’s sure to get you pumped—not only while watching soccer matches but also as the perfect background music for enjoying sports with friends.
FIFA AnthemFranz Lambert
This piece, woven from a grand orchestral sound and a solemn melodic line, embodies the celebration of football.
Franz Lambert’s powerful arrangement blends beautifully with the striking tune that heightens the pre-match excitement.
Released in 1994, it has continued to be used as the entrance music for players at the world’s premier football tournaments and international matches, leaving a deep impression on football fans.
It’s a classic that lets not only football enthusiasts but anyone feel the greatness of sport.
Let’s Get Together NowVoices of Korea/Japan (Rena Pāku hoka)
This is the official local song etched into the precious history of the 2002 Japan–Korea co-hosted FIFA World Cup.
Performed by leading R&B artists from Japan and South Korea, the work was released in three versions—Japanese, Korean, and a mixed version—each carrying messages from the participating artists, resulting in a richly varied piece.
Many may still remember the breathtaking performance at the World Cup opening ceremony on May 31, 2002.
The warm melody, born from the fusion of Japanese and Korean cultures, remains a symbol of friendship and cooperation, gently embracing the hearts of sports fans to this day.
Thunderous applauseLiSA
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
That giant-killing in the opening match against Germany—when everyone thought we were the underdogs—there was nothing more exhilarating, was there? Many of you probably shouted with joy at Asano’s goal from that impossible angle after coming on as a substitute! Adding to the excitement of the World Cup was LiSA’s “Issei no Kassai.” With lyrics like “You only live once, so charge ahead with everything you’ve got,” its life-affirming, encouraging message to everyone feels perfect for the World Cup.
The song is also delightfully clever, sprinkling in words that evoke soccer throughout the lyrics!