There are few sporting events that can match the thrill of a FIFA World Cup. Adding to the excitement are the official soundtracks, often referred to as anthems, adopted by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) ahead of the grand quadrennial tournament. FIFA started adopting official soundtracks for the World Cup from 1990, and each of these anthems has left a mark on us fans. Here’s a look at the 10 FIFA anthems that have a special place in the heart of football lovers.

To Be Number One (1990)

Italy hosted the 1990 FIFA World Cup for which the official song was To be Number One by Giorgio Moroder. The slow rock number was the first FIFA World Cup song ever and was performed in both English and Italian.

Gloryland (1994)

For the 1994 World Cup, USA was the host country and the official song was Gloryland, performed by Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness. The lyrics harped on the glory of America and had all the elements of a classic ’90s American slow pop song.

The Cup of Life (1998)

Ricky Martin’s The Cup of Life or La Copa de la Vida, the official song for FIFA World Cup 1998 in France, was the first dance number chosen as the official FIFA soundtrack. It became a sensation and is still considered one of the most popular FIFA songs ever. The song paved the way for a series of peppy dance numbers to be adopted by FIFA for World Cups.

Boom (2002)

Japan and South Korea jointly hosted the FIFA World Cup 2002, which had Boom as its official song. The groovy number was sung by American singer-songwriter Anastacia, who co-wrote it with Glen Ballard.

The Time of Our Lives (2006)

The official song for 2006 was The Time of Our Lives performed by American singer Toni Braxton and the multinational opera band II Divo. A fusion of pop and opera, this song is still considered one of the high-on-emotions World Cup numbers. The 2006 World Cup was hosted by Germany.

Waka Waka (2010)

Still considered one of the best FIFA songs, Shakira’s Waka Waka was the official song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted by South Africa. With elements of a pop song mixed with South African folk music and Shakira’s infectious energy, Waka Waka became one of the most popular FIFA songs that became synonymous with the sport.

We Are One (Ole Ole) (2014)

Pitbull’s song We Are One (Ole Ole), also featuring Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, set the mood for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The song channelled Brazilian folk music and the whistling in the background remains the standout part of the song.

Live It Up (2018)

Live It Up, performed by Nicky Jam, was adopted as the official song for the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia. The high-tempo song also featured Hollywood actor Will Smith and Albanian singer Era Istrefi.

Hayya Hayya (Better Together) (2022)

The upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar, features Hayya Hayya as the first single. Performed by Trinidad Cardona, Davido and AISHA, the song has the underlying theme of traditional Arabic music. The second song Light the Sky Up features Indian actress-dancer Nora Fatehi.

Special Mention – Wavin’ Flag (2010)

The official song for the 2010 World Cup may have been Waka Waka but Wavin’ Flag, the Coca-Cola celebration mix performed by K’NAAN, also became a big hit.