Every sports event is marked by something, whether a great opening ceremony or a song which makes it better than the rest of the cups. Even esports took this approach, most notably League of Legends and their 2018 World Championship opening ceremony which featured two special songs, Rise and POP/STARS.
In traditional sports, you can find such anthems and songs in almost every international tournament, specifically basketball and football (soccer) World Cups. There are even bets as to who will get the opportunity to take part in a tournament’s song or rather, anthem. Bookmakers love creating various special bets, as part of promoting a specific upcoming event. Likewise, they do regular promotions, like this bet365 welcome offer. Sports anthems are important, as many people still remember some of the greatest football tournaments, but not just because of the gameplay, but also because of the songs. Some of those songs were also hits, on their own. Here are the best football World Cup anthems.
1978 World Cup – Argentina – El Mundial
What’s better than a World Cup anthem? Well, one composed by none other than Ennio Morricone. You know, the guy who did all Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood movies? Morricone is known as one of the best composers of the 20th century, and he has not failed to deliver in 1978, when he composed El Mundial. The instrumental part of the song is often praised, more so than the other parts, specifically the vocals. Many people feel that just an instrumental would be much better than the original version with the vocals. Towards the end of the song, one can hear the Morricone which we all know, the one who composed for western pistol duels.
1994 World Cup – United States – Gloryland
This was the only World Cup to be held in the United States, at least until the 2026 edition which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. For this occasion, they went with Daryll Hall from Hall & Oates and Sounds of Blackness. The song is considered corny and nationalistic, but that is not a bad thing. It worked wonders for that World Cup and is still one of the fondest World Cup anthems. It helps that Daryl Hall brought his own unique voice to the song.
2010 World Cup – South Africa – Waka Waka
Everyone remembers the 2010 World Cup anthem, Waka Waka, performed by Shakira and Freshlyground. It is one of those songs which sticks with you, even though it was somewhat hindered by sticking to a template which marks such songs. If a bit more freedom had been allowed, we would have seen and heard more of Shakira’s genius come to fruition. Even as it is, it is one of the best World Cup anthems.
1998 World Cup – France – La Copa De La Vida
Ricky Martin just prior to his eponymous hit album, released in 1999, worked on the 1998 World Cup anthem. He was the singer, and with a band backing him up, the song quickly became a hit which everyone fondly remembers. There were two versions, the Spanish and English, titled La Copa de la Vida and its literal translation, The Cup of Life. Both were hits in their own regard.
These are some of the most popular or rather, best, World Cup anthems, football’s most popular tournament songs.
