The best World Cup songs

World Cup anthems are used to build anticipation for the tournament. Every tournament has them and they unite football fans but some are more memorable than others.   

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)  

Released in 2010 as the official South Africa 2010 World cup song, Waka Waka written and performed by “Queen of Latin Music” Shakira instantly became a hit.  

Waka Waka perfectly captured the feeling of the South Africa 2010 World Cup. When people hear, “Tsamina mina, eh, eh,” faces light up.   

The music video starred Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and has 3.2 billion views on YouTube.  

 To this day, Waka Waka is referred to as one of the best World Cup songs.  

We Are One (Ole Ola)   

Released in 2014 as the official Brazil 2014 World Cup song, We are One (Ole Ola) was a revised version due to the first song lacking a Brazilian twist.   

The song was performed by “Mr. Worldwide” Pitbull and featured artists such as Claudia Leitte and Jennifer Lopez.   

The music video currently has 854 million views on YouTube.   

Wavin’ Flag  

Released in 2009, Wavin’ Flag was chosen as Coca-Cola’s promotional anthem for the World Cup in 2010.   

The song was written and performed by K’naan and is easily one of the most recognisable World Cup songs.   

The chorus of Wavin’ Flag shows strength and resilience, “When I get older, I will be stronger, they’ll call me freedom just like a wavin’ flag.”  

Wavin’ Flag was inspiring, and the music video has 401 million views on YouTube. The video also guest-starred Damian Marley.  

Although it was an unofficial World Cup song, Wavin’ Flag will remain legendary in the hearts of all fans.   

Three Lions  

Released in 1996, Three Lions was released as an anthem for England for the 1998 World Cup in France.  

The song was written by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds.  

Three Lions chorus of, “It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming, Football’s coming home,” has made it iconic.  

Over the last 26 years, the song has resurfaced when England plays in a major tournament.  

The phrase “It’s coming home” has been used by England fans to signify the hope of becoming champions.  

However, the song is viewed as arrogant by other nations because it suggests that England has a given right to win.  

England fans don’t intend to stop singing Three lions anytime soon, with the song becoming somewhat of a national anthem.