The World Cup has a habit of turning ordinary things into permanent memories. A goal becomes immortal. A celebration becomes iconic. A photograph ends up hanging on bedroom walls for decades. The music often follows the same path. Every tournament arrives ...

Over the years, the songs that provide a soundtrack to the World Cup have become a significant part of the tournament, almost as important as the games. Some anthems have reached far beyond the field to offer a true moment of unity ("Cup of Life," anyone?

What makes a good World Cup anthem? Since the early '90s, FIFA officials have commissioned an official song for each World Cup. Some have been duds, while others turned into global hits. SHAKIRA: (Singing) You knew from the day... PERALTA: The Colombian ...

Shakira and Burma Boy's official 2026 World Cup song, "Dai Dai," is the 10th that FIFA has chosen for its quadrennial soccer tournament. Since 1990, international musicians have collaborated with the the Fédération Internationale de Football Association ...

Shakira, performing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert. Photo: Martin Rose/Getty Images Co-headlined by Madonna, BTS, and the tournament-obsessed Shakira, the introduction of a Super Bowl–esque halftime show at this year’s World ...