[Soccer Western Music] Theme Songs and Anthems That Fired Up the World Cup

Waka WakaShakira

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)

A song well-known to soccer fans, Shakira’s “Waka Waka” is beloved worldwide as a World Cup anthem.

Paying respect to “Zangaléwa” by the Cameroonian group Golden Sounds, its distinctive rhythm and melody surely deliver a powerful boost to players like those of SAMURAI BLUE.

Once you hear it, your body starts moving and you switch into cheering mode! Blending African rhythms still cherished around the globe, it truly is the sound of the World Cup.

Packed with unforgettable phrases, it’s a classic that evokes special memories for everyone who loves football.

PositivoJ Balvin, Michael Brun

J Balvin, Michael Brun – Positivo (Official Video)

This is a collaborative work by J Balvin, a leading reggaeton artist from Colombia, and Michael Brun, a DJ and producer from Haiti, which was adopted as the official theme song by U.

S.

Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Its distinctive sound, which brilliantly fuses Haiti’s traditional music styles “kompa” and “rara” with contemporary EDM, is particularly striking.

During the World Cup period from June to July 2018, the song aired frequently on Telemundo’s broadcasts and captured the hearts of soccer fans.

With its energetic beat and uplifting lyrics, it’s a track that shines not only for stadium chants but also in party and club scenes.

Love Runs OutOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Love Runs Out

With its thrilling, edgy piano melody and powerful beat, this track is a bona fide anthem tailor-made for sporting events.

Created by the American pop-rock band OneRepublic for the reissue of their 2014 album Native, it was adopted as the official theme song by ZDF during the FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Driven by an energetic rhythm and a strong message about giving your all until love and passion run dry, the song climbed to No.

15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit, reaching the top five in countries such as Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

It was also selected as an official theme for the 2019 pro wrestling spectacle WrestleMania 35.

Overflowing with intensity, this track is perfect for boosting motivation during sports viewing or workouts.

Behind The SunOdesza

ODESZA – Behind The Sun – Official Video

An electronic sound adopted for the FIFA 23 soundtrack that stirs the hearts of players around the world.

One track from the American electronic duo ODESZA’s album The Last Goodbye, released in July 2022, is built around samples from a song by legendary Iranian singer Simin Ghanem.

Its grand soundscape—melding symphonic elements with live drums—resonates perfectly with the dynamism and excitement of soccer.

The uplifting energy driven by powerful percussion and a brass section ignites players’ passion.

Beyond the game, the track has been widely used as background music at sporting events, uniting audiences as one.

It’s an ideal song for high-energy moments like watching a soccer match or working out.

Another StarStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Another Star

A brilliant gem of a track from the masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life, left to us by American musical genius Stevie Wonder, energized the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Chosen as the BBC’s official theme song, it shines with a rhythmic sound infused with Latin elements and a memorable, striking choral arrangement.

Released in 1976, the song features top-tier musicians—including George Benson—who together created a rich, powerful sound.

It has inspired numerous cover versions; in 1995, Kathy Sledge even made the UK charts, proving its enduring, cross-generational appeal.

It’s a perfect pick to boost your mood during sporting events or whenever you need an energizing lift.

Dance All Over MeGeorge Ezra

George Ezra – Dance All Over Me (Official Video)

George Ezra, a UK artist known for energetic, catchy dance-pop, continues to captivate fans around the world with his rich baritone voice and unpretentious personality.

This track was released in September 2022 as the third single from the album Gold Rush Kid.

Its lively melody fuses disco and dance-pop, and Ezra’s powerful vocals laid over it create a splendid harmony.

The music video—featuring memorable performances with dancers—beautifully enhances the song’s appeal.

It was also used as a theme song on a German program during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

DreamersJung Kook

정국 Jung Kook (of BTS) featuring Fahad Al Kubaisi – Dreamers | FIFA World Cup 2022 Soundtrack

Qatar’s twilight was colored by Jungkook’s “Dreamers.” Released as the official theme song of the FIFA World Cup, the track quickly captured international attention and won over soccer fans.

His commanding performance—especially the collaboration with the background dancers at the opening ceremony—was particularly striking.

The weighty beat, classic pop sensibility, and the straightforward message of “we are dreamers” resonated with fans around the world.

Alongside the fierce battles on the field, it became a powerful anthem that carried the cheers.

“Dreamers” feels like a shout-out to everyone who loves soccer.

While we wait for the next World Cup, listening to this song might just bring back that heart-pounding excitement!