[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 (41–50)
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.
[2026] FIFA World Cup | Historic Theme Songs That Color the Tournament (51–60)
Live It UpNicky Jam feat. Will Smith & Era Istrefi
“Live It Up” was chosen as the official song for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.
It’s a track by American singer Nicky Jam, featuring guest appearances by the Hollywood star Will Smith and Kosovo-born singer Era Istrefi.
With its fast-paced Latin rhythm and irresistible, head-bobbing groove, “Live It Up” is a perfect anthem for soccer matches.
Be sure to give it a listen!
Triumphal March (from ‘Aida’)
When asked, “What’s the quintessential soccer theme song?”, most people would likely answer the Triumphal March.
It’s a powerful piece by Giuseppe Verdi from the opera Aida, performed with a bold trumpet fanfare that heralds victory.
It was used during Fuji TV’s broadcasts in 2002, 2010, and 2014, and has become a familiar tune in soccer-related programs and commercials.
Although it’s a classical masterpiece, it’s become so ingrained as a ‘soccer song’ that even classical music fans don’t object to the label.
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.
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.
IdentityDaikoku Maki
“Identity” is Maki Ohguro’s 23rd single, released in 2002 and her first self-produced track.
It was chosen as the official TBS soccer theme song during the 2002 Japan–South Korea co-hosted FIFA World Cup broadcasts.
The house-influenced, fast-paced synth intro really gets you pumped up.
With Ohguro’s powerful vocals, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits—highly recommended for school sports days and athletic events!
In conclusion
We covered a wide range of songs, from FIFA’s official theme songs to official theme songs from domestic TV networks’ programs.
They’re all tracks that bring back vivid memories of those thrilling matches, and just listening to them gets you excited, doesn’t it? World Cup theme songs continue to be loved as anthems long after each tournament ends.
When you want to push yourself or are feeling down, try listening to the songs featured in this article!