Football

Football is arguably the best and most popular sport ever and the FIFA World cup is an avenue for all qualifying nations and countries to compete for the number one spot in the world. One would think, what connection has Football got with singing, what connects men passing a ball around strategically and someone singing? Well, music is one of the
best means of entertainment, and in this case, it mostly serves as a morale booster for players and even their fans.
Over time we have had great songs composed for this purpose, let’s take a look at the 7 best songs of the FIFA World Cup.

“Gloryland” by Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness – USA ’94

This song carries in it the very spirit and character of an American song which was
perfect for one of the biggest world cup events ever, the first and only one ever hosted in the USA. “Gloryland” wasn’t originally upbeat and groovy, but it sure served its purpose, as the artists in charge made it perfect for its purpose.

 

Live It Up by Nicky Jam featuring Will Smith and Era Istrefi – Russia 2018.

 

From the beautiful combination of Latino and English rap by Nicky, to Will Smith’s presence on the track, and Era’s nice Rihanna feel, you can say this song has got it all. It has such an infectious beat and tune that can never make you sit still while listening to it. The
upbeat feel makes the difference. Although the song isn’t as popular as most World Cup anthems, it still served the purpose for which it is meant.

 

K’Naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” – 2010 South Africa

Wavin’ flag is more than a world cup anthem. It is a motivational jam for everyone! For years on end, even way after the world cup this sing was an anthem on people’s lips. It was like a promise or a mantra, powerful lyrics and the best tune to go with the flow. Not long and after it’s release, the Somali Canadian’s vibe quickly rose to become the most-played song of the World Cup in South Africa.

Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte: “We Are One (Ole Ola)” – Brazil 2014

This jam that was released in 2014 sounded like the most perfect song ever for the world cup. “We Are One”,a jam that sealed it for most listeners. We had the vocalists on the track in persons of Jlo and Claudia Leitte and the dj and energy bringer- Pitbull.

 

Shakira and Freshly Ground, “Waka Waka” – 2010 South Africa.

 

One would have thought this would have been the year that Africa will finally bring home the cup. The song had so much power in its lyrics and vibes and it was a song on everyone’s lips. Though the sensational song failed in its lyrics, it was still able to bring the vibe we all needed. Although the song kind of lacks the typical works cup groove, it was still very unique and it moved people in its own way.

Hot Hot Hot – Arrow (1986 FIFA World Cup)

Hot Hot Hot’ by Caribbean artist Arrow is said to be the first World Cup song that was recognized for being great. Interestingly, the track was not written for the World Cup but It was actually a part of Arrow’s debut album that he released in 1982. However, FIFA adopted it four years later for the World Cup in Mexico and it proved to be a huge hit. It had an upbeat Caribbean taste to it and was very well received at stadiums thanks to its groovy nature and funky lyrics. Overall, it had a celebratory vibe to it and is one of the truly great World Cup songs of all time.

 

The Cup of Life (La Copa De La Vida) – Ricky Martin (1998 FIFA World Cup); To outrank the likes of Wavin’ Flag and Waka Waka has to take something special. Ricky Martin’s ‘Cup of Life’, the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, is an all time winner in that aspect and a must have on our list. This track had everything it needed, from the vocals to the lyrics and the chorus which inevitably became a popular chant. The song was such a big hit that it helped make Ricky Martin’s 1998 album ‘Vuelve’, which contained ‘La Copa De La Vida’, earn him his first Grammy.