[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 | Iconic Theme Songs Through the Years (31–40)
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!
At the End of the Burning BeatB’z
A famous B’z song whose lyrics convey the passion of people who stake their lives on sports.
After being chosen as the theme song for TV Asahi’s broadcasts during the 2002 Japan–South Korea FIFA World Cup, it was selected again nearly 20 years later as the theme song for the WRC World Rally, scheduled to be held in 2021.
Vocalist Inaba, who wrote the lyrics, said about the song: “I wanted to express how not only the athletes and people at the venues, but everyone cheering through newspapers and television, are connected by a shared heartbeat.”
GlorylandDaryl Hall＆Sound Of Blackness
Music is a mysterious thing—hearing a certain song brings back memories of “that moment.” I’m sure many people hear this track and remember the 1994 World Cup final, Brazil vs.
Italy.
After a 0–0 draw, it went to penalties, and Italy’s treasure, Roberto Baggio, missed his kick in that legendary match.
The title “Gloryland” probably stands for something like “championship,” doesn’t it? Lyrics like “believe in yourself and head for the land of glory” evoke the World Cup itself.
The layered chorus resonates like gospel, making the song all the more moving.
reboot ~A Poem That Doesn’t Give Up~flumpool
The theme song used for Nippon TV’s soccer broadcasts at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was flumpool’s fourth single, “reboot ~Akiramenai Uta~.” It reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Created with the concept of “a song with a grand intro,” it features a cool, fast-paced chorus.
The lyrics about miracles are a perfect fit for players aiming for the championship, so be sure to give it a listen!
BoomAnastacia
Anastacia is a female artist from Chicago, known for her exceptionally powerful vocals and widely respected by critics for her vocal projection.
One of her signature works, Boom, was used as the theme song for the World Cup held simultaneously in South Korea and Japan in 2010.
The track is crafted as pop infused with the essence of soul music, and her soaring high-note shouts are breathtaking.
Some phrases also feature African-inspired melodies, making it a piece that incorporates musical elements from around the world.
[2026] FIFA World Cup | Theme Songs That Colored the Tournament (41–50)
AwakeningEXILE
“Awakening” is a digital-only single by EXILE released in 2018, and it was selected as the theme song for TBS’s soccer broadcasts that year.
The lyrics were written by member ATSUSHI, who drew on memories of devoting himself to soccer in his childhood when writing them.
“Awakening” is a grand ballad with a powerful sound that stirs the fighting spirit.
ATSUSHI also produced the lyric video, so be sure to check it out!
Don’t get involved!GAKU-MC / Sakurai Kazutoshi (Mr.Children)
“Te wo Dasu na!” (“Hands Off!”) is a song by rapper GAKU-MC and Mr.Children’s Kazutoshi Sakurai, released in 2006, which reached No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
GAKU-MC and Sakurai met through soccer and later formed the duo Ukasaka-G.
In addition to being selected as a support song for the 2006 World Cup, “Te wo Dasu na!” was also used as the theme song for Soccer Earth, a Nippon TV soccer program featuring GAKU-MC.