FIFA World Cup Official Songs 1990 – 2010

1990 – Italy

“Un’estate italiana” is a 1990 song in Italian language recorded by Italian artists Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini. The song, also known under the title “Notti magiche”, was composed by Giorgio Moroder for the 1990 FIFA World Cup held in Italy. It achieved success on the charts of several European countries. (Link)

Nessun dorma (English: None shall sleep) is an aria  from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Turandot,  and is one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto (the unknown prince), who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot. However, any man who wishes to wed Turandot must first answer her three riddles; if he fails, he will be beheaded.

Nessun dorma achieved pop status after Luciano Pavarotti’s recording of it was used as the theme song of BBC television’s coverage of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. (Link)

1994 – USA

With added lyrics for the World Cup occasion, “Gloryland” became a 1994 song by Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness. The song also appears on the official FIFA album Gloryland under the title Soccer Rocks the Globe.

Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness also sang it at the opening ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup with lyrics. (Link)

“We Are the Champions” is a power ballad written by Freddie Mercury, recorded and performed by Queen for their 1977 album News of the World. One of their most famous and popular songs, it has since become an anthem for sporting victories including as official theme song for 1994 FIFA World Cup and has been often used or referenced in popular culture. The song has been covered by many artists. (Link)

1998 – France

“The Cup of Life” is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer, Ricky Martin that was included on his fifth album, Ricky Martin (1999). In 1998, Martin released the song as a CD single, his second in the United States. The song’s success was a step up from his last single, “María”, peaking at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The Cup of Life” was a translation of the song “La Copa de la Vida”, a track included on his fourth album, Vuelve. “La Copa de la Vida” peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks in June and July 1998, held off from the top spot by Elvis Crespo’s “Suavemente and Carlos Ponce’s “Rezo”. The 1998 translation of the song gained instant popularity, being the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The song was awarded “Pop Song of the Year” at the 1999 Premio Lo Nuestro awards. (Link)







“Together Now” is a collaboration between French composer/producer Jean Michel Jarre, and the Japanese composer/producer Tetsuya Komuro. It was the France 1998 FIFA World Cup theme song. Olivia  was the vocalist and the lyricist for this song. Together Now also features as Track 15 for “Music Of The World Cup: Allez! Ola! Ole!”. However, the single was only retailed in Japan. Surprisingly, despite both Olivia and Tetsuya Komuro being under Avex, the single itself was released under SMEJ. The single reached #32 on Oricon  charts and charted for #10 weeks. (Link)

2002 – South Korea & Japan

Anthem (The 2002 FIFA World Cup Official Anthem) by Vangelis  and produced and mixed by Takkyu Ishino is the theme song for 2002 FIFA World Cup held in South Korea and Japan. (Link)

“Boom” is a song by American  pop singer Anastacia, only released in Australia, Europe and Asia. It was the Official FIFA World Cup song of 2002. The song is featured on the Collector’s Edition of her Freak of Nature album and the soundtrack to 2002 FIFA World Cup. It was written by Anastacia and Glen Ballard, who also produced the song. (Link)

“The Time of Our Lives” is a song recorded by multinational operatic pop quartet Il Divo and American R&B singer Toni Braxton to serve as the official theme song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup football tournament. Written by Jörgen Elofsson and produced by Steve Mac, the song appears on the compilation album Voices from the FIFA World Cup  (2006) and on the 2006 European re-release of Braxton’s fifth studio album, Libra.
Il Divo and Braxton performed “The Time of Our Lives” during the 2006 FIFA World Cup opening festivities at FIFA World Cup Stadium Munich on June 9, 2006. That same day it was released as a single in continental Europe, reaching the top ten in Switzerland, the top twenty in Germany and Norway, and the top thirty in Italy and Austria, as well as number fifty-two on the composite European Hot 100 Singles. (Link)

2006 – Germany

Celebrate the Day is a song in Herbert Grönemeyer featuring Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia that was adopted as an official theme song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup held in Germany. The song appears on the CD Zeit, dass sich was dreht  / Celebrate the Day (Official 2006 FIFA World Cup Anthem). (Link)

“The Time of Our Lives” is a song recorded by multinational operatic pop quartet Il Divo and American R&B singer Toni Braxton to serve as the official theme song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup football tournament. Written by Jörgen Elofsson and produced by Steve Mac, the song appears on the compilation album Voices from the FIFA World Cup  (2006) and on the 2006 European re-release of Braxton’s fifth studio album, Libra.

Il Divo and Braxton performed “The Time of Our Lives” during the 2006 FIFA World Cup opening festivities at FIFA World Cup Stadium Munich on June 9, 2006. That same day it was released as a single in continental Europe, reaching the top ten in Switzerland, the top twenty in Germany and Norway, and the top thirty in Italy and Austria, as well as number fifty-two on the composite European Hot 100 Singles. (Link)

2010 – South Africa

R. Kelly is definitely back with one of the most breathtaking and emotional tracks since “I Believe I Can Fly.” Kelly unveiled the angelic, motivational and powerful song called “Sign Of A Victory” which was selected to be part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but I felt so uplifted by the choir, the beautiful and positive words that I personally believe that it should be the ONLY track used as the official anthem for the world cup (if you read this Mr Sepp Blatter please reconsider.) (Link)

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, in English, and “Waka Waka (Esto es África)” in Spanish, is a song by Shakira featuring Freshlyground. The song will be performed by Shakira and South African group Freshlyground, at the Closing Ceremony before the World Cup Final on July 11 in Johannesburg Soccer City Stadium. The song is officially available for download through digital retailers the week of May 11. It also will be included on Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album to be released the week of May 31 by Sony Music Entertainment. The Spanish version is as well available in selected markets.

“Waka Waka” received mixed critical reception. The song is charted in a number of countries, number one in Italy and Spain, number two in Switzerland, top ten in Austria, Belgium, and in Germany. (Link)

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