The FIFA Men’s World Cup, one of the biggest sporting events in the world, kicked off Nov. 20 with the Ecuador vs. Qatar (host country) match. As has been tradition for many years now, a select number of songs soundtrack the global soccer event, in which 32 teams — representing different countries — participate and, in the end, one is crowned the World Cup champion.
Songs such as Ricky Martin‘s “Cup of Life,” the official song of the 1998 event held in France, and Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 World Cup in Africa have become anthems for soccer fans, and given the event’s popularity, they’ve also had a presence on the Billboard charts. “Waka Waka” peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated July 3, 2010, while Martin’s euphoric “Cup of Life” peaked at No. 45 on the Hot 100 in 1998.
So far, a number of songs tied to this year’s World Cup have been released, with a few being part of the official FIFA soundtrack and others that aren’t but are still worthy of a mention.
In April, FIFA released the first single, titled “Hayya Hayya (Better Together),” from the official soundtrack. The uplifting track, featuring Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha, fuses R&B and reggae influences. Four months later, the football federation released the second song from the soundtrack titled “Arhbo,” with Latin star Ozuna and French Congolese rapper Gims. “Arhbo” is a local slang word for “welcome” in Qatar and comes from the Arabic word “Marhaba.” For the first time, the tournament’s soundtrack will feature a multi-song collection, with international artists “showcasing diverse musical genres that span the world, setting the tone for a truly global celebration,” according to FIFA.
Below, find an updating list of the 2022 World Cup-themed songs that have been released.
-
“Hayya Hayya (Better Together)”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo In April, FIFA released the first single, titled “Hayya Hayya (Better Together),” from the official soundtrack. The uplifting track, featuring Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha, fuses R&B and reggae influences. “By bringing together voices from the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, this song symbolizes how music – and football – can unite the world,” said FIFA chief commercial officer Kay Madati. “As part of FIFA’s revamped music strategy, the multi-song soundtrack will bring passionate fans closer to the spirit of the FIFA World Cup like never before.”
-
“Arhbo”
Image Credit: Courtesy of Aura Music The second single released from the official soundtrack was Ozuna and Gims’ “Arhbo,” which made its debut over the summer. Arhbo is the local slang word for “welcome” in Qatar, and comes from the Arabic word “Marhaba.” “I think ‘Bienvenidos,’ ‘welcome home’ says it all,” the Puerto Rican star said in a statement. “Whatever journey everyone was on, it brought them here, to this moment, and for that moment they are home. They say that ‘home is where the heart is’, right? El hogar está donde está el corazón. For all the people who are coming, and all the people who, with all their hearts, want to come, we are saying, ‘bienvenidos,’ welcome home!”
-
“Ulayeh”
Image Credit: @Pae.esp Sebastián Yatra tapped Moroccan artist Nouamane Belaiachi for “Ulayeh,” a Spanish-Arabic collaboration just in time for the World Cup. The motivational track finds both artists singing about giving it your all, even when the world doubts you.
-
“Vamos A Qatar”
Image Credit: Eduardo Cardoza* Mexican supergroup Los Bukis, who reunited last year after disbanding in 1996, unleashed their own World Cup song titled “Vamos a Qatar.” With Mexico as one of the countries participating in the event, Los Bukis’ song cheers on the team with this uplifting track. “We’re very excited to be part of the road to this highly-anticipated World Cup,” they wrote on social media. “Let’s all enjoy this great party together.”
-
“Aeropuerto”
Image Credit: Christopher Polk for Billboard
Colombian star Camilo adapted his song “Aeropuerto” for a partnership with Telemundo Deportes — the new version is the network’s official World Cup coverage song. The track is part of Camilo’s latest album, De Adentro Pa’ Afuera. “Being a soccer fan since childhood, it was fun and special to be able to adapt the lyrics of ‘Aeropuerto’ to describe the emotion and passion we all feel when we watch our teams giving their all,” Camilo said in a statement. “It’s a real honor that my music is part of something that means so much to millions of people.” -
“Light the Sky”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo “Light the Sky” is an all-female collaboration featuring Emirati singer Balqees, Moroccan-Canadian sensation Nora Fatehi, Iraqi superstar Rahma Riad and award-winning singer-songwriter Manal, who hails from Morocco. This song is the latest track from the official FIFA soundtrack. “’Light the Sky’ tells us to ‘shout if you’re with me’ and brings to life the spirit of communal celebration of the FIFA World Cup – an energizing message as we look forward to a game-changing tournament of firsts,” FIFA Entertainment executive and song producer RedOne says. “This is an inspirational song with its roots firmly in the Middle East. It is also fitting that the first-ever female referees at a FIFA World Cup are part of this release that will connect with football and music lovers of all ages.”
-
“Tukoh Taka”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares dropped their infectious and celebratory new World Cup song “Tukoh Taka.” Thriving on a jittery hook and a throbbing beat, the track — produced by Gordo, Play-N-Skillz and Massari — makes history as the first FIFA World Cup song featuring English, Spanish and Arabic lyrics. Ahead of the World Cup kickoff, the Colombian artist and Fares performed the song together live for the first time at the opening of Doha’s FIFA Fan Festival.
-
“Dreamers”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Just in time for the 2022 World Cup kickoff, BTS‘ Jung Kook and Qatari singer and producer Fahad Al Kubaisi dropped their FIFA soundtrack song “Dreamers.” The uplifting anthem features production from RedOne, the pop-dance producer who joined FIFA in late 2021 as Creative Entertainment Executive and has helped helm signature hits for superstars like Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and Enrique Iglesias. The K-pop superstar and Fahad Al-Kubaisi at took the stage at Qatar’s Al Bayt Stadium on Nov. 20 to perform “Dreamers” during the opening ceremony.
-
“Donde Nací”
Image Credit: Isabel Endara y Sonia Borbor from @sukacreativestudios In support of his country’s national soccer team, Ecuadorian pop singer Johann Vera released the emotional “Donde Nací,” which has been adopted by the team’s fans as their 2022 World Cup anthem. “Ever since I began my career, I had my country and flag very present in everything I do,” he previously told Billboard. “I worked on ‘Donde Nací’ by myself — it’s a gift that I wanted to give to my country. This song, and the World Cup, bring positivity and joy to my country.”
-
“Golear”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo DJ and producer BLVD. tapped Puerto Rican rapper and singer Guaynaa for a prideful and high-energy banger that will hype any fútbol fan. An infectious, hooky EDM beat — that instantly reels you in — serves as the perfect canvas for Guaynaa’s slick and rapid-fire bars on taking home the trophy. “Golear” is part of a set of singles released by BLVD. in honor of the 2022 World Cup.
-
“WAYO”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Zion & Lennox aren’t letting the 2022 World Cup pass by without releasing their own fútbol anthem. The Puerto Rican duo dropped “WAYO,” a rhythmic EDM-inspired track that, at its core, is a song about celebrating life and a multitude of countries coming together and throwing the ultimate party.