World Cup
What’s in a song? The story behind the music playing at World Cup Stadiums
Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering — how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that “Wonderwall” plays after England matches? Are “Freed from Desire” or “Livin’ on a Prayer” always played? And why?
The songs are not random. Hundreds — more than 750, in fact, according to soccer governing body FIFA — are chosen in advance. FIFA has a “Stadium Entertainment Team” that works with the participating national associations to create playlists that mix stadium classics with country-specific favourites.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group J – Argentina v Austria – Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. – June 22, 2026 Argentina and Austria fans during the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerome Miron/File Photo
Each team has a “signature” song played when the line-up is announced, a warm-up song, and a track that is played if they score a goal. And one set of fans after each game gets to sing along to the post-match winning-team tune.
The playlists give an interesting cultural snapshot of the World Cup, in which 48 teams participated for the first time in 2026.
Some tracks — such as The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and, yes, 1990s Eurodance hit “Freed from Desire” by Gala, which has been doing the rounds of sports stadiums for at least a decade — have global reach, appearing on more than one list.
Songs like this that become popular have certain things in common. They need to be catchy, fun, and recognisable, said Andrew Lawn, British author of “We Lose Every Week: The History of Football Chanting.”
The context is also key, he added.
“They become associated with a moment if that moment is successful,” he said. “Then they stick because that kind of emotion gets kind of attached to the song.”
Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is an example of that, he said. Long popular with different sets of sporting fans, it caught on with England supporters in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the lyrics about “touchin’ hands, reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you” took on a particular resonance after months of isolation and lockdowns.
MARIACHI TO MEN AT WORK
Other songs are country-specific.
Argentina, for instance, have chosen Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ “El Matador” (literally, “the killer”) as their warm-up and goal song. The track, with its chorus of “Matador! Matador!” may sound like it’s celebrating the deadly goal skills of Lionel Messi.
But the reggae-influenced song is really much darker — it’s about the Latin American dictatorships and state violence of the 1970s.
DopeNation’s irresistible 2025 dance track “Kakalika” is both the signature and goal tune for Ghana. The Ghanaian duo behind it have described it as a blend of national and global music styles and languages that is intended to embrace diversity and encourage listeners to enjoy themselves.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L – Croatia v Ghana – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. – June 27, 2026 Ghana fans react after Derrick Luckassen scored their first goal REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo
Mexico have chosen three different tracks by Mariachi Vargas, a mariachi folk band that was founded in 1897, has passed through several generations, and is still going strong today, and South Korea opted for a selection of K-Pop tracks by the likes of Blackpink and BTS.
When Kylian Mbappe gets a goal for France — again — supporters can sing along to French electronic duo Daft Punk’s lyrically appropriate “One More Time”. Australia’s signature tune is Men At Work’s classic “Down Under,” while Belgium’s warm-up is techno anthem “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic.
Sometimes the choice of song evolves over the tournament in response to fan reactions. Oasis’ “Wonderwall” has become a regular fixture after its success following England’s first World Cup 2026 match — a 4-2 victory over Croatia — when supporters sang along.
It was one of his favourite ever moments in an England shirt, connecting the team with the fans, captain Harry Kane told in-house show Lions’ Den.
“We have that connection right now, but that moment, singing ‘Wonderwall’ in the stadium — everyone knew the words — was really special,” he said.
Similarly, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has quickly become a favourite for a U.S. supporters’ base that had faced criticism online for their somewhat unimaginative “USA! USA!” chant.
The lack of a distinctive chant is a reflection of a more commercial and dispersed sporting culture, and for now the adoption of the Denver song — as enjoyable as it is — perhaps feels a bit artificial, said Lawn.
“All of kind of American soccer culture feels a bit forced at the moment” because it’s still relatively new, he said.
“(But) if it sticks around, it will be a lovely example, and in 30 years if it’s still being sung then you’ll really have the kind of feeling that it’s authentic.”
-Reuters
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, METLIFE STADIUM, NEW JERSEY.
For Brazil, the World Cup script is becoming painfully familiar.
Another tournament. Another knockout-round encounter with European opposition. Another heartbreaking exit.
And this time, the executioner wore the colours of Norway and answered to the name Erling Haaland.
On a tense Sunday evening at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the towering striker delivered two devastating late strikes to send Norway into the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history and prolong Brazil’s seemingly endless search for a return to football’s summit.
Twenty-four years have passed since Brazil last lifted the World Cup trophy in Yokohama in 2002. Since then, the Seleção have repeatedly stumbled whenever a European obstacle has appeared in the knockout rounds. The appointment of a European coach was supposed to signal a fresh chapter, a new approach and perhaps a cure for an increasingly troubling trend.
Instead, the ghosts returned.
Norway, making one of the deepest runs in their World Cup history, refused to be intimidated by the aura of the five-time champions. They remained disciplined, patient and organised, waiting for their moment while Brazil struggled to convert their opportunities.
That moment rarely arrived.
Brazil had the perfect chance to seize control after just 13 minutes when VAR intervened and awarded a penalty for Kristoffer Ajer’s challenge on Matheus Cunha. The yellow-clad supporters rose in anticipation, expecting Bruno Guimaraes to provide the breakthrough.
But football can be cruel.
The midfielder’s effort was saved, and with it came the feeling that this might not be Brazil’s night.
As the clock ticked down and extra time loomed, Norway’s star finally stepped onto centre stage.
In the 79th minute, Andreas Schjelderup whipped in a teasing cross from the left flank. Haaland timed his run perfectly, rose above the Brazilian defence and powered a header into the net.
The stadium erupted.
The Norwegian fans sensed history.
Brazil, stunned by the breakthrough, threw men forward in desperate search of an equaliser. But in doing so, they left themselves exposed.
And Haaland punished them.
In the 90th minute, Schjelderup once again proved the architect, winning possession before releasing Haaland. The Manchester City striker needed no second invitation. With trademark composure, he drilled a low shot beyond the goalkeeper and into the corner of the net.
At 2-0, the contest was effectively over.
The goals elevated Haaland to seven in the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot race and further cementing his status as one of the defining figures of the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil found a late consolation when Neymar converted a penalty deep into stoppage time after Leo Ostigard was penalised for an elbow on Casemiro inside the box. But it was merely a footnote in a night that belonged to Norway.
When the final whistle sounded, Norwegian players collapsed in celebration while Brazilian stars stood motionless, staring into the distance as another World Cup dream disappeared.
For Norway, it was a landmark victory that will be remembered for generations. For Brazil, it was another painful reminder that the road back to World Cup glory remains frustratingly elusive.
The numbers tell a harsh story. Since conquering the world in 2002, Brazil have now suffered five World Cup eliminations against European opposition. Different players, different coaches, different generations—but the outcome remains remarkably unchanged.
As Norway march proudly into the quarter-finals, carried by the goals of a ruthless Haaland, Brazil are left to board another flight home, burdened once again by questions that have lingered for nearly a quarter of a century.
The samba has fallen silent.
And the European curse lives on.
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World Cup
Bet9ja FACT FILE: ‘Hurricane’ Harry Kane Tests Mexico’s Iron Defence In Historic Last-16 Clash
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Venue: Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City
Stage: Round of 16
Historical Context: England return to the iconic Mexico City Stadium for the first time in four decades to face hosts Mexico in a high-stakes clash for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Mexico and England meet in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time, renewing a rivalry that dates back to the 1966 tournament. The only previous World Cup encounter between the nations saw England record a 2-0 group-stage victory at Wembley Stadium through goals from Bobby Charlton and Roger Hunt en route to lifting the trophy on home soil.
Road To The Round Of 16
Co-hosts Mexico have been one of the tournament’s standout performers. Javier Aguirre’s side remain the only team in the competition yet to concede a goal after defeating Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 at Mexico City Stadium.
First-half strikes from Julián Quiñones and veteran striker Raúl Jiménez secured victory and extended El Tri’s winning run to five consecutive World Cup matches—the longest streak in the nation’s history at the tournament.
Mexico topped Group A with victories over South Africa, Korea Republic and Czechia, all achieved on home soil.
England, meanwhile, were pushed hard by DR Congo before securing a 2-1 comeback victory in Atlanta. Captain Harry Kane struck twice late in the contest to rescue the Three Lions after they had fallen behind.
Thomas Tuchel’s men topped Group L with seven points, having defeated Croatia 4-2 and Panama 2-0 before a goalless draw against Ghana.
Head-To-Head
Previous FIFA World Cup Meetings
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A |
| Mexico | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Only World Cup Meeting
- July 16, 1966: England 2-0 Mexico
- Bobby Charlton (37′)
- Roger Hunt (75′)
Overall International Meetings
| Team | P | W | D | L | F | A |
| Mexico | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 27 |
| England | 10 | 7 | 1 | 2 | 27 | 4 |
Last Meeting
- May 24, 2010: England 3-1 Mexico (Friendly, Wembley Stadium)
Key Facts
Mexico
- Seeking to equal their best-ever World Cup performance by reaching the quarter-finals.
- Have only previously reached the last eight in 1970 and 1986, both tournaments hosted by Mexico.
- Unbeaten in their last nine World Cup matches on home soil, winning seven and drawing two.
- Have kept clean sheets in each of their last seven World Cup matches played at home.
- Have won their last five World Cup matches, the longest winning streak in their history.
- Have yet to concede a goal at FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Could become only the second team in World Cup history to begin a tournament with five straight wins without conceding, after Italy in 1990.
- Have scored eight goals at the current tournament, matching their highest-ever tally at a single World Cup, set in 1998.
- Have not conceded a first-half goal in any of their last 15 World Cup matches.
England
- Unbeaten in seven World Cup matches against Concacaf opposition since a 1-0 defeat to the United States in 1950.
- Have never previously faced a Concacaf team in a World Cup knockout match.
- Have lost only one of their last nine World Cup fixtures.
- Have won six of their last eight Round-of-16 matches at the tournament.
- Seeking a place in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive World Cup.
Players To Watch
Julián Quiñones (México)
The in-form forward has scored in three of Mexico’s four matches and has become only the second Mexican player to score three goals at a single World Cup, joining Luis Hernández, who netted four times in France 1998.
Harry Kane (England)
England’s captain continues to deliver on the biggest stage. His brace against DR Congo took his World Cup tally to 13 goals in just 15 appearances. Seven of those goals have come in his last six World Cup matches.
Familiar Faces
- Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez spent five years in English football with Wolverhampton Wanderers before joining Fulham in 2023.
- Jiménez has enjoyed notable success against England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, scoring against him multiple times in Premier League competition.
- Mexico captain Edson Álvarez previously played in the Premier League for West Ham United.
- Mexico coach Javier Aguirre featured in Mexico’s 1-0 victory over England in Mexico City in 1985, playing the full match.
The Stakes
For Mexico, victory would equal the nation’s greatest World Cup achievement by reaching the quarter-finals for only the third time and the first time since hosting the tournament in 1986. For England, the challenge is to halt the hosts’ remarkable defensive record and continue their quest for a second World Cup title.
With Mexico carrying the hopes of a football-mad nation and England seeking to build on their strong tournament pedigree, Mexico City Stadium is set to stage one of the most eagerly anticipated Round of 16 encounters of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Brazil vs Norway
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, New Jersey, USA
Date: July 2026
Stage: Round of 16
Five-time champions Brazil will face an unbeaten Norway side in a compelling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash at New York New Jersey Stadium, with both teams seeking a place in the quarter-finals.
The match revives a memorable World Cup rivalry dating back to France 1998, when Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in Marseille to secure one of the greatest victories in the Scandinavian nation’s football history. Remarkably, Brazil have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, with the Europeans recording two wins and two draws.
Road To The Round Of 16
Brazil booked their place in the knockout phase after topping Group C on goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti’s men began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco before recording convincing 3-0 victories over Haiti and Scotland. In the Round of 32, the Seleção came from behind to defeat Japan 2-1 in Houston, with veteran midfielder Casemiro equalising before substitute Gabriel Martinelli struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
That victory extended Brazil’s unbeaten FIFA World Cup record on United States soil to 11 matches, comprising eight wins and three draws.
Norway, meanwhile, reached the last 16 after finishing second in Group I behind France and ahead of Senegal and Iraq. The Scandinavians then claimed their first-ever World Cup knockout victory by defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in Dallas.
Young winger Antonio Nusa opened the scoring to become Norway’s youngest-ever World Cup goalscorer before star striker Erling Haaland netted the decisive winner in the 86th minute, taking his tournament tally to five goals.
Head-To-Head
FIFA World Cup Meetings
- Matches: 1
- Brazil: 0 wins
- Norway: 1 win
Only World Cup Meeting
- June 23, 1998: Norway 2-1 Brazil (Marseille, France)
All International Meetings
- Matches: 4
- Brazil: 0 wins
- Draws: 2
- Norway: 2 wins
- Goals: Norway 8, Brazil 5
Last Meeting
- August 16, 2006: Norway 1-1 Brazil (Friendly, Oslo)
Key Statistics
Brazil
- Unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup matches played in the United States (W8 D3).
- Have scored in 13 of their last 14 FIFA World Cup matches.
- Lead the tournament’s all-time scoring charts with 246 goals.
- Have progressed from the Round of 16 at each of the last eight World Cups.
- Last failed to advance from this stage in 1990 against Argentina.
- Have lost each of their last six World Cup knockout matches against European opposition.
- Last defeated a European team in a World Cup knockout match in the 2002 final against Germany.
Norway
- Unbeaten against Brazil in four meetings.
- Have scored 10 goals at FIFA World Cup 2026, double their previous tournament best.
- Seeking their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance.
- Have lost only two of their last 20 international matches (W15 D3).
- Scored in the first half of each of their first four matches at the tournament.
- Registered their first World Cup knockout victory by defeating Côte d’Ivoire.
Players To Watch
Erling Haaland (Norway)
The Manchester City striker has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring five goals in just three appearances. Haaland has now scored in each of his last 13 competitive matches for Norway, producing 25 goals during that remarkable run. Overall, he has netted 60 goals in 53 international appearances.
Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil)
The Arsenal forward emerged as Brazil’s hero against Japan, scoring the dramatic winner in stoppage time. Alongside teammate Gabriel Magalhães, Martinelli shares a club dressing room with Norway captain Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal.
Interesting Connections
- Brazil’s Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli are club teammates of Norway captain Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal.
- Brazil striker Igor Thiago and Norway defender Kristoffer Ajer both play for Brentford in the English Premier League.
- Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti played his final international match for Italy against Norway in 1991.
- Norway coach Ståle Solbakken was part of Norway’s squad at the 1998 World Cup when they defeated Brazil, although he did not feature in the match.
The Stakes
Brazil are aiming to maintain their perfect Round-of-16 record across the last eight World Cups and move one step closer to a sixth World Cup title. Norway, on the other hand, are chasing another historic milestone as they seek to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
With Brazil’s pedigree and Norway’s unbeaten record against the South American giants, the New York New Jersey Stadium is set for one of the most intriguing Round of 16 encounters of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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