[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 | Theme Songs That Colored the Tournament Through the Years (21–30)
Football is our life (Soccer is our life)Nishi Doitsu Daihyō Chīmu
This is the team song sung by the West Germany national team themselves for the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany.
Set to the bright, rhythmic style characteristic of schlager music, it expresses a refreshing love and passion for football.
Led by Franz Beckenbauer, the squad took on studio recording under professional guidance.
Conveying the players’ unity and burning spirit, this piece is perfect for boosting pre-match excitement or lifting the team’s morale.
Tukoh TakaNicki Minaj, Maluma, & Myriam Fares
This work was created as the official fan festival anthem for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Performed by three artists—Nicki Minaj, Maluma, and Myriam Fares—it’s an exhilarating track that celebrates the global football festival by blending their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Featuring lyrics in English, Spanish, and Arabic, it conveys a sense of unity among football fans worldwide.
Released in November 2022 by Universal Arabic Music and Republic Records, it reached number one on the charts in Lebanon.
In the music video, set in the desert, the three artists deliver distinctive performances.
It’s a recommended song not only for football enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to experience multicultural harmony.
BLUENEWS
The theme song for NTV’s FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 coverage was “BLUE” by NEWS, a Johnny’s idol group.
Released in 2018, it reached No.
1 on both the Oricon singles chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Inspired by “Samurai Blue,” the nickname of Japan’s national soccer team, the title and lyrics are crafted with an emphasis on the color blue.
Also, just before the chorus you can hear the sound of the koto, which evokes a sense of Japan.
VOLT-AGESuchmos
The song chosen as the theme for NHK’s soccer broadcasts in 2018 was VOLT-AGE by Suchmos.
It’s included on their 2018 mini-album THE ASHTRAY and reached as high as No.
8 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
With a stylish, gritty sound that’s distinctly Suchmos and a bit different from previous theme songs, it’s seriously cool.
The lyrics, which seem to express peace, also connect with the spirit of the World Cup.
Its laid-back rhythm makes you want to sway along—definitely give it a listen!
JUMPIkuta Rira
A fast-paced number released by ikura, the vocalist of YOASOBI, under her solo name Rira Ikuta! This song was specially written as the official theme for Fuji TV’s coverage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The lyrics vividly convey the anguish and inner struggles of the players who fight with all their might on the grand stage of the World Cup as representatives of their countries.
These athletes have worked harder than anyone to stand on the field.
Let’s cheer them on with all our hearts as we listen to this song!
FANTASISTADragon Ash
This is the song that was chosen as the Nippon TV network’s broadcast theme for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
The music video, featuring the members of Dragon Ash dressed in tracksuits and passionately performing in a soccer stadium, also became a hot topic.
Speaking of the 2002 tournament, the Japan–Korea World Cup remains a landmark event deeply etched in the memories of the Japanese people.
Many of you probably found yourselves glued to the TV while listening to this song.
Even when you listen again now, the excitement from that time comes rushing back.
A Question Of HonourSarah Brightman
“A Question of Honour” is a song that TV Asahi played—using part of its chorus alongside news footage—during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and it has since been used when broadcasting Japan national football team matches.
It features a beautiful aria from Italian composer Alfredo Catalani’s opera La Wally, and it is highly regarded even among classical music fans.
Hearing Sarah Brightman’s rich vocals heightens the sense of anticipation for the battle to come, doesn’t it?