The Most Beloved World Cup Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most beloved!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:21
Welcome to StrawPoll's ultimate showdown of the most beloved World Cup songs of all time! With every tournament comes the excitement and anticipation of the iconic anthems that capture the spirit of the beautiful game. From the electrifying beats to the heart-stirring lyrics, these songs have etched their mark in history and continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia in soccer fans worldwide. So, it's time to settle the score once and for all – which tune tops the chart as the all-time fan favorite? Dive into our carefully curated ranking and cast your vote or champion an unsung hero by suggesting a missing gem. The stage is set, the crowd is roaring, and the battle of the anthems is about to commence. Ready, set, goal!
What Is the Most Beloved World Cup Song?
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145votesThis song was the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and became a global hit due to its catchy tune and Shakira's signature dance moves. It also featured traditional African rhythms and instruments, celebrating the first World Cup to be held on the continent.Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) is a lively and upbeat song that was chosen as the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It is performed by Colombian singer Shakira, who infuses the song with her signature Latin pop and African influences. The song captures the spirit of unity and celebration that embodies the World Cup event.
- Release Date: April 27, 2010
- Genre: Pop, World, Afrobeat
- Duration: 3 minutes 23 seconds
- Language: English, Spanish, and a bit of an African language, Fang
- Written By: Shakira, John Hill, and Golden Sounds
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233votesThis song was the official anthem for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and featured a mix of English, Spanish, and Portuguese lyrics. The upbeat and uplifting tune captured the spirit of the tournament and was performed at the opening ceremony."We Are One (Ole Ola)" by Pitbull ft. Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular FIFA song
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323votesThis song was the official anthem for the 1998 World Cup in France and helped to popularize Latin pop music in the mainstream. Its infectious chorus and high-energy rhythm made it a fan favorite and it was later performed at the 1999 Grammy Awards.
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420votes
"La Copa de la Vida" by Ricky Martin
Ricky MartinThis Spanish-language version of "The Cup of Life" became a huge hit in Latin America and Spain, and was played at the 1998 World Cup in France. The song's lyrics celebrate the passion and excitement of soccer and its chorus is now a classic chant among fans.La Copa de la Vida is a catchy and energetic song performed by Ricky Martin for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. It is widely regarded as one of the most beloved World Cup songs of all time.- Release Year: 1998
- Language: Spanish
- Genre: Pop, Latin pop
- Duration: 4:38
- Official Theme Song: Yes
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516votesThis song was the official anthem for the 1990 World Cup in Italy and remains a beloved classic in the country. Its catchy melody and patriotic lyrics helped to unite Italians during a time of social and economic upheaval.
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619votes
"Carnaval de Paris" by Dario G
Dario GThis instrumental track was the official anthem for the 1998 World Cup in France and captures the festive atmosphere of the tournament. Its upbeat tempo and use of brass instruments make it a popular choice for sports events and celebrations.Carnaval de Paris by Dario G is a popular World Cup song that was released in 1998. It captures the festive and energetic spirit of the World Cup and is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and vibrant instrumentation. The song was originally created for the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France, which is reflected in its title and lyrics. It gained widespread popularity during the tournament and remains a fan favorite for World Cup celebrations. The creator of Carnaval de Paris is Dario G, an English electronic music group known for their dance and house music productions. Here are ten important specs about the song:- Release year: 1998
- Genre: Electronic music, dance, house
- Tempo: Upbeat
- Melody: Catchy
- Instrumentation: Vibrant
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75votes
"Boom" by Anastacia
AnastaciaThis song was the official anthem for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and features a mix of pop and rock elements. Its empowering lyrics and strong vocals made it a hit among fans and it was performed at the opening ceremony."Boom" by Anastacia is the official song of the 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan. This pop song is known for its upbeat and catchy melody that captures the excitement and energy of the tournament. It was released as a single in 2002 and garnered significant popularity during the World Cup season.- Lyricist: Anastacia
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Pop
- Length: 3:17
- Language: English
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89votesWhile not an official World Cup song, this track was performed by Shakira at the 2006 World Cup in Germany and became a worldwide sensation. Its infectious beat and Shakira's signature dance moves helped to popularize Latin music even further."Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular FIFA song
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911votes
"Wavin' Flag" by K'naan
K'naanThis song was not an official World Cup anthem, but it was adopted by fans as a sort of unofficial theme song for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Its uplifting lyrics and catchy chorus made it a fan favorite and it was performed at various events throughout the tournament.Wavin' Flag by K'naan is a popular World Cup song that was released in 2010. The song incorporates elements of hip-hop and reggae and carries a powerful message of hope and unity. It became an anthem during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, capturing the spirit of the tournament and inspiring fans worldwide. With its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, Wavin' Flag has become one of the most beloved World Cup songs of all time.- Release Date: March 18, 2010
- Genre: Hip-hop, Reggae
- Length: 3 minutes and 41 seconds
- Album: Troubadour
- Language: English
"Wavin' Flag" by K'naan in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular FIFA song
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104votesThis song was the official anthem for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and features a mix of English and Spanish lyrics. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus captured the excitement of the tournament and it was performed at the closing ceremony."Live It Up" by Nicky Jam ft. Will Smith and Era Istrefi in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular FIFA song
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Ranking factors for beloved song
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CatchinessThe melody and tune should be memorable and easy to sing along to. A great World Cup song should stick in people's minds long after the tournament is over.
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LyricsThe lyrics should be inspiring, uplifting, and celebratory, capturing the essence of the event and the excitement of fans worldwide. They should evoke a sense of patriotism and unity, regardless of the language they are sung in.
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Emotional connectionA beloved World Cup song will speak to the hearts of the fans and evoke strong emotions, such as pride, joy, and excitement.
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Cultural compatibilityThe song should respect and acknowledge the host country's culture and music style, as well as appeal to the diverse cultures of the participating countries.
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DanceabilityA great World Cup song should have a rhythm and tempo that makes people want to dance or move to the beat. This often adds to its popularity and memorability.
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TimelessnessThe song should be one that can be enjoyed during the World Cup and beyond, without feeling dated or irrelevant after the event is over.
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Performance qualityThe song's performance, including vocals and musical arrangement, should be top-notch, captivating the audience and adding to the overall appeal of the song.
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PopularityThe overall popularity of the song, including chart performance, radio plays, streaming numbers, and its reception from fans and critics alike.
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Visual appealIf accompanied by a music video or live performances, the visual elements should be striking and memorable, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the song.
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LegacyThe song's lasting impact on both the specific World Cup it was created for and the soccer/football community in general. This includes how often it's played or referenced in future tournaments and its influence on future World Cup songs.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beloved World Cup song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1635 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beloved world cup song
The World Cup is not only the biggest soccer tournament in the world, but also a massive cultural event that unites people from all over the globe. One of the things that makes the World Cup so special is the music that comes with it. Every tournament has its own official song, but there are also countless unofficial anthems that become part of the tournament's soundtrack. From Shakira's "Waka Waka" to Ricky Martin's "The Cup of Life," these songs have become part of the World Cup experience and are beloved by fans everywhere. So, what is the most beloved World Cup song of all time? Let's take a look at some of the contenders and find out.
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