What Makes a Great World Cup Song? Experts Weigh In

World Cup fever is sweeping the United States, Canada and Mexico as the 2026 tournament gets underway. Fans around the globe are reliving iconic moments—from stunning goals to shocking upsets—but one element remains constant: the need for an unforgettable anthem. BBC Bitesize set out to discover what makes a World Cup song truly great, speaking with pop singer Mark Rhodes, music industry veterans, and students to break down the formula.

The Core Ingredients of a World Cup Banger

According to Mark Rhodes, formerly of the duo Sam and Mark and now a solo artist, the key to a successful World Cup song lies in simplicity. Rhodes recently released 'Sing It Everybody', a charity single benefiting football club foundations across the West Midlands. He emphasized that lyrics must be easy to sing and the beat should encourage fans to bounce along. "Lyrics wise they need to be easy to sing," Rhodes told BBC Bitesize, highlighting the importance of accessibility for supporters on the terraces.

Music industry veteran Dave Philpot, who has worked with Fatboy Slim and The Charlatans, echoed this sentiment. He noted that the best football songs, like many pop hits, are simple and easy to sing along to. This simplicity fosters unity among supporters, creating a powerful sense of connection. "That sense of unity amongst supporters harkens back to the very beginning of football's relationship with music," said football historian Professor Jean Williams. She explained that original chants on British terraces were actually hymns, such as 'Abide With Me' and 'Jerusalem', underscoring the larger goal of singing: to make supporters feel part of something bigger than themselves.

National vs. Global Anthems

When comparing national anthems like 'Three Lions '98' to global hits like 'Waka Waka', Dave Philpot stressed the importance of reflecting national identity. "You couldn't have written 'Three Lions' if you didn't grow up wanting England to win something," he said, noting that authentic, supporter-driven lyrics were crucial to the song's lasting legacy. Mark Lippmann, CEO and founder of a Manchester-based record label, agreed: "'Three Lions' is part of the national identity every time a major tournament comes around. The balance of hope with self-deprecating humour feels incredibly English."

Tips for Aspiring Songwriters

For those interested in writing their own World Cup track, Mark Rhodes recommends starting with the melody, though he stressed there is no right or wrong order. He advised breaking the song into small sections, each telling a distinct, personal story about one's love of football. This approach helps create a track that resonates with both the writer and the audience.

The Official 2026 World Cup Song

The official FIFA World Cup song for 2026 is 'Dai Dai' by Shakira and Burna Boy. Released on 15 May 2026, the song was performed at the tournament's opening ceremony and is scheduled to be performed again at the World Cup final half-time show at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Shakira and Burna Boy are credited as writers on the song, alongside several others including England's Ed Sheeran.