[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)
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS
It was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s soccer broadcasts in 2011.
The lyrics sing of youthful passion and the pursuit of dreams, resonating deeply with listeners.
It showcases RADWIMPS’ distinctive musicality and profound lyrics.
The song is included on the album Zettai Zetsumei, released in March 2011.
Written and composed by Yojiro Noda, it is known as one of the band’s signature works.
Not only soccer fans, but also young people striving toward their dreams will find it encouraging.
It’s a memorable track that evokes your youth and inspires you.
CampioneORANGE RANGE
This is a song by ORANGE RANGE produced as the theme song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
With a straightforward, upbeat band sound, it conveys a lively atmosphere of heading toward a goal together with friends.
The lyrics deliberately avoid using soccer-related words, embedding a supportive message that’s easy to relate to in a variety of situations without limiting the context.
With its repeatedly sung call sections, the song seems to express an image of uniting hearts and moving forward as one.
[2026] FIFA World Cup | Iconic Theme Songs Through the Years (31–40)
Hayya Hayya (Better Together)Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha
This song was included on the official soundtrack as an official song of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
It’s performed by American singer Trinidad Cardona, singer-songwriter Davido, who is half American and half Nigerian, and Aisha, a singer-songwriter from Qatar, the host nation of the 2022 tournament.
The title “Hayya Hayya” reportedly means “Come on” in Qatari Arabic.
You can feel the positive vibe of “Let’s all cheer together!” from the upbeat sound of the track.
CathartistRADWIMPS
Sung by RADWIMPS, “Catharsist” is their 22nd single, released in 2018.
It was selected as Fuji TV’s soccer theme song that same year and reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
With a hip-hop-style A verse that begins with rap and a melodious chorus, the contrast showcases a new side of RADWIMPS.
The lyrics—facing strong opponents without running from the fight—evoke players battling in the World Cup.
It’s a must-listen for anyone about to take on a challenge!
La Copa de La VidaRicky Martin
The original song of Hiromi Go’s cover and mega-hit “GOLDFINGER ’99” is Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca.” The way the lyrics swap “atsui” (hot) with “acchi” (that way) was brilliantly done.
And Ricky Martin also performed the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, “La Copa de la Vida.” Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, once you hear it you’ll surely go, “Oh, this song!!” The lyrics are a fiery call to “push forward to become the champion!!” The fact that it can get you fired up even if you don’t understand the words shows just how powerful the music itself is.
There are people online who’ve translated the Spanish lyrics into Japanese, so if you’re curious, definitely check them out.
Waka WakaShakira
Shakira’s hit “Waka Waka,” used as the official song of the 2010 World Cup, has an African-inspired vibe befitting its South African host nation.
The track actually samples “Zamina Mina,” a traditional song from Cameroon that has been passed down for many years.
If you listen to the original and to “Waka Waka” side by side, you’ll discover a different way to enjoy them—give it a try.
ONE -for the win-NEWS
“ONE -for the win-” is NEWS’s 16th single, released in 2014, and it was selected as the theme song for NTV’s coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
The coupling track includes “SEVEN COLORS,” which had served as the theme song for NTV’s “TOYOTA Presents FIFA Club World Cup 2013,” and the single reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics of “ONE -for the win-” include the names of countries participating in the World Cup, so be sure to give it a listen!