[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!
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[2026] FIFA World Cup | Historic Theme Songs That Color the Tournament (51–60)
The Time of Our LivesIl Divo
Il Divo is a hugely popular musical group in Italy.
Inspired by canzone, their operatic-style vocals are striking, and they’ve gained a strong following in Japan as well.
Their classic song “The Time of Our Lives” was used as the official song for the World Cup held in Germany in 2006.
Their harmonies—blending the grandeur of opera with the catchiness of pop—are truly breathtaking.
Un’estate italianaGianna Nannini＆Edoardo Bennato
The 1990 World Cup was held in Italy.
It was around the time when the Japan national team fell just short and swallowed their tears.
The squad included Mr.
Ihara, Mr.
Hashiratani, Mr.
Ramos, and Gon Nakayama—and of course, Kazu was there too.
He was 22 at the time, so it really feels like ages ago.
The official song “Un’estate italiana” was titled “Italian Summer” in Japanese, and it brings back memories of the fierce battles of the World Cup.
The lyrics overflow with love for soccer, telling the story of a boy aiming for the goal.
The many voices layered in the chorus are also moving.
If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a listen!
RAGEKanjani∞
The theme song chosen for TBS’s soccer broadcast program “TBS Football 2014 Summer” in 2014 was “RAGE,” performed by Kanjani Eight, the group to which Shingo Murakami—the show’s MC—belongs.
The track is included on their seventh album, “Kanjanism,” released in 2014, which topped the Oricon album chart at No.
1.
Its up-tempo, driving sound and passionate lyrics make it a perfect match for the excitement of the World Cup.
ShoutTears for Fears
“Shout,” performed by the British band Tears for Fears, is the title track from the album Shout, released in 1985.
The album reached No.
1 on the U.S.
Billboard chart and No.
2 in the UK, while the single “Shout” peaked at No.
4 in the UK and No.
1 in the U.S.
Characterized by its distinctive synthesizer sound, the song also inspired the official England national team support song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Get Your DreamTOKIO
Get Your Dream, sung by TOKIO, is their 34th single.
It was chosen as the theme song for TBS’s coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
The title of the song was reportedly given by former Japan national team player Shunsuke Nakamura.
With its hopeful lyrics and straightforward, easy-to-grasp rock sound, it’s the perfect track to fire up soccer support.