Retrospective of World Cup Theme Songs: Shakira Leads with 3 Appearances, LISA and Jungkook Bring K-Pop Wave

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11. Fans are not only focused on the star player matchups on the field but also on the theme songs of each tournament, which are the soul that ignites global fervor. Whether it's Ricky Martin's 'The Cup of Life' or Shakira's 'Waka Waka,' these songs instantly evoke fans' passionate memories. Central News Agency has compiled this year's and past theme songs to take readers on a journey to relive those football-spirit-igniting melodies.

The 2026 World Cup is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The theme song is 'Dai Dai' performed by Latin superstar Shakira. The song was co-produced by Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy. 'Dai Dai' originates from Italian, meaning 'Come on,' conveying a message for players to 'let go of everything and go all out,' embodying the passionate spirit of the World Cup.

The official album 'FIFA World Cup 2026™' also includes several new tracks: 'Lighter' by Jelly Roll and Carín León; 'Illuminate' by Jessie Reyez and Elyanna; 'Game Time' by Future and Tyla; and 'Goals' by BLACKPINK member LISA, Anitta, and Rema, which blends Latin pop, K-pop, and African rhythms. 'Goals' will have its first live performance at the opening ceremony on the 12th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum by LISA, Anitta, and Rema.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup was the first held in the Middle East. Its theme song 'Hayya Hayya (Better Together)' was performed by Trinidad Cardona, Davido, and Aisha, emphasizing unity. Notably, this was the year FIFA began inviting K-pop group members to create theme songs. BTS member Jungkook's 'Dreamers' became the representative song for the opening ceremony. Other songs included 'Arhbo,' 'Light The Sky,' and 'Tukoh Taka.'

The 2018 Russia World Cup theme song 'Live It Up' was performed by Nicky Jam, Will Smith, and Era Istrefi, portraying the tournament as a grand international celebration. Additionally, Taiwanese band Mayday's song 'Stubborn' was selected through a vote on FIFA's official Weibo account and added to the World Cup stadium playlist. In 2014, Mayday also sang the Chinese version of the Coca-Cola World Cup theme song 'We Dominate.'

Brazil, a five-time World Cup champion, is known as the 'Kingdom of Football.' The 2014 Brazil World Cup theme song 'We Are One (Ole Ola)' was performed by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte, conveying passion and hospitality. The same year, Shakira created the cheer song 'La La La,' performed at the closing ceremony, with a music video featuring Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The 2010 South Africa World Cup theme song 'Waka Waka' was performed by Shakira. Incorporating African traditional music and her signature dance, it became one of the most successful and iconic songs in World Cup history.

The 2006 Germany World Cup theme song 'The Time of Our Lives' was a ballad by Il Divo and Toni Braxton, depicting the tears, sanctity, and sportsmanship of players fighting for national honor.