When the FIFA World Cup Meets Music

As the FIFA World Cup officially came to its end, fans all over the world are still immersed in the excitement of unforgettable goals, dramatic turns and the moment when the Spanish team lifted the trophy. However, it is not hard to notice that all these memories are carried with the uprising music playing nonstop in the stadium. But what role does music actually play in such a significant event?

Somehow, the World Cup hosted every four years has become a global playlist. When

someone mentions the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, it might be hard to recall specific goals or penalty shoutouts. Instead, it is a much easier instinct for many to start humming Waka Waka. Same for Brazil in 2014, We are One is most likely the first symbol that comes to mind when people talk about the matches that year. I am personally not the biggest football fan, but hearing these familiar rhythms instantly brings me back to the vague memories of those years of absolute insanity and enthusiasm. This connection between music and the World Cup can be largely explained by a sense in psychology. Music is closely related to emotions , which makes our memories far more vivid when we interact with familiar melodies other than images or statistics alone. Because of this characteristic, official songs are played almost anywhere and anytime during the World Cups: before it starts, in mid-game advertisements, during the medal ceremonies, etc. Gradually, these songs are intertwined with our experiences, whether excitement or heartbreak. Moreover, the songs for the World Cups are cultural expressions and global collaborations. From an artistic perspective, producers intentionally design the songs with different styles to create the type of music that feels energetic, uplifting and simple for audiences all around the world to sing along with, regardless of languages. The music videos are equally attached to the theme of football and sport spirit, oftentimes displaying national flags, street culture and athletic elements to highlight a visual presentation of global identity and cultural beauty. Waka Waka, for instance, was sung by Colombian artist Shakira. Shakira blended traditional pop music with African sounds, mixing the song with Afro-Carribean rhythms. The lyrics of the chorus included words like ‘tsa mina mina’ which means ‘come’ in Xhosa language, which celebrates African heritage and traditions to the world as the World Cup was hosted in the African continent for the first time. Meanwhile, Dai Dai, the official song for this year’s World Cup reflects cultural diversity to echo with the first World Cup hosted across three different countries: the U.S, Canada and Mexico. The song brings the collaboration of Shakira, famous for Latin pop and Burna Boy, known for Afrobeats, showcasing how music unites people across culture and continents. Watching the World Cup with the music involved reminds us that sports and music are not separate worlds. They support one another, with one providing the moments and one offering those moments emotional meaning. Combined together, they create precious impressions that last far beyond the final whistle and advocate for diversified cultures. After crowning the final champion, it is often the melody that brings the World Cups back to our everyday lives.