What Makes a Winning World Cup Anthem? Artists Share Their Perspectives
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, major artists behind past and present World Cup songs—including Shakira, J Balvin, Wyclef Jean, and newcomer Nora Fatehi—have shared their views on what makes an effective anthem. Key elements cited include rhythm and danceability, memorable hooks, cross-cultural representation, and an emotional quality that makes listeners feel victorious. The discussion highlights how World Cup anthems have evolved into a significant cultural component of the tournament, nearly as important as the games themselves.
Artists involved in creating World Cup anthems have identified several essential qualities for success. Shakira, who co-wrote both the 2010 "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" and the 2026 official anthem "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy, emphasizes that songs must unite cultures and represent global emotions while maintaining strong rhythm and a sing-along quality. J Balvin stresses the importance of an immediate hook to capture attention in an era of short attention spans, while also matching the emotional intensity of soccer itself. Nora Fatehi, featured on the 2026 album with "Siir, Siir," argues that anthems should evoke a feeling of victory and aspiration. Wyclef Jean, who co-wrote "Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way)" for the 2014 World Cup, advocates for unity through music. Rolling Stone's retrospective demonstrates that successful World Cup songs span multiple genres and eras, from Los Ramblers' 1962 rockabilly "El Rock del Mundial" to contemporary Afrobeat-influenced tracks, all sharing the common thread of celebrating global togetherness.
What different sources said
- Rolling StoneLeft
The Best World Cup Songs — And the Ones You May Have Forgotten
- PBS NewsHourLeft
What makes a winning World Cup anthem? Shakira, Wyclef Jean and others explain
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