The World Cup is an amazing spectacle. It’s one of the few examples where the entire world comes together for a common purpose.The passion, athleticism, and beautiful diversity of peoples and cultures makes for an experience that literally billions of people get excited for. Aside from football, the World Cup is also becoming known for a time when some amazing music gets produced. With such fantastic themes to draw inspiration from, musicians around the world have put together some incredible jams.
We present you with our 10 Best World Cup Songs list to date.
1) Awu – If a Can, Can (2014)
Aiming to “let the love of football lead us to change the world” Cameroonian artist Awu provided an inspirational anthem for the 2014 World Cup with “If a Can, Can”. Creating the song after he was denied a travel visa to come perform music in the United States, Awu decided to make a song that would renew his motivation, and remind himself that “you will understand what used to be misunderstood.” With the World Cup just around the corner, he decided to turn “If a Can, Can” into a World Cup theme song for the rest of the world to draw inspiration from. And he sure nailed it!
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2) K’naan feat. David Bisbal, “Wavin’ Flag” (2010)
Originally written by Somali-Canadian artist K’naan as an anthem for hope and freedom for the people of Somalia, the “Wavin’ Flag” Coca-Cola 2010 World Cup remix features an array of additions to the drums and beat, an amped up chorus, as well as an appearance from Grammy-winning Spanish pop singer David Bisbal. Its inspiring lyrics and upbeat rhythm definitely make this one of the all-time great World Cup theme songs.
3) Wiyaala – Go Go Black Stars…Goal (2014)
Known as the “young lioness of Africa”, Ghanaian artist Wiyaala provides an Afro-pop anthem for the Ghana Black Stars national football team with her song “Go Go Black Stars,…Goal!”. According to her website, “the song was inspired by a chance remark from SuperSport’s anchorman Yaw Ampofo Ankrah after he saw Wiyaala sing at a fashion show and encouraged her to write a song for the Black Stars.” Featuring tribal drums, big stadium choruses, and a catchy rhythm, this song will definitely have you rooting for the Black Stars!
4) Shakira – Waka Waka (2010)
One of the most watched videos in YouTube history, Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira’s “Waka Waka” is a must for any World Cup theme song list. Adapted from Cameroonian band Golden Sounds’ 1986 song “Zangaléwa”, the chorus of Waka Waka asks the listener to “do it” or “take action”, something we all need to be reminded of when chasing our dreams.
5) Reggae Boyz – Rise Up (1998)
Upon the Jamaican national football team’s first qualification for the World Cup in 1998, some of the biggest reggae stars in the country, including Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Toots, and Buju Banton got together to send off their nation’s team with some spirit. “Rise Up” is an awesome example of how the World Cup can rally a nation to come together and create something beautiful!
6) Ricky Martin – La Copa De La Vida (1998)
Puerto Rican pop sensation Ricky Martin delivered a mega hit “La Copa de la Vida”, or “The Cup of Life,” as the official theme song for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Topping the charts in several countries, and becoming certified platinum and gold around the world, La Copa de La Vida has set the tone for all official World Cup theme songs ever since.
7) Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness – Gloryland (1994)
American rock, R&B, and soul singer and songwriter Daryl Hall teams up with Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble Sounds of Blackness to put together a song that just oozes of soulfulness. A non-official anthem for the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, “Gloryland” will make you proud to be an American.
8) Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte – We Are One (2014)
American music icons Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez teamed with Brazilian pop sensation Claudia Leitte for the official 2014 World Cup theme song “We Are One.” Despite receiving a variety of criticisms, such as being full of clichés, reinforcing Brazilian stereotypes, and featuring a lack of the Portuguese language and true Brazilian culture, “We Are One” still delivers one heck of a World Cup song. Big names, a big beat, and lyrics that aim to unite the world, We Are One gets you excited for some football!
9) Santana, Wyclef, Jean, Avicii, and Pires – Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way) (2014)
World renowned Mexican-American guitarist Carlos Santana and Haitian hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean join Swedish producer Avicii and Brazilian singer Pires for a truly global effort in the World Cup anthem “Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way). The track inspires you to “find a way” no matter your circumstances to achieve your dreams.
10) Disco Mister – Bring It Home (2014)
Going by the name “Disco Mister”, two schoolteachers Robin Parmiter and Ian Wilson create an absolute grassroots World Cup hit with their song “Bring It Home.” An anthem for the country of England, the song spurs on the national team to “Bring It Home”. The song is a great example of how music can be used by anyone to show your creativity and share your passion for your country and football!
There you go – our 10 Best World Cup Songs list! Have any thoughts? Any great songs we missed? Let us know your feedback in the comments box below! If you want to listen to more inspiring music that is guaranteed to give you some motivation, go check out these 10 inspiring songs that make you want to change the world!
About the Authors
Colby and Awu are an international music duo, from the United States and Cameroon, committed to making music that uplifts your spirit and inspires you to make the world a better place! Their music is a blend of pop and hip-hop, mixed in with some African roots. They released their debut album, Change the World, in 2013 and are currently working on a 2nd album.
To check out Colby and Awu’s album “Change the World”, click here.
For a free music download from Colby and Awu, click here.
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