10 Tracks to Fire You Up for the World Cup Final

10 Tracks to Fire You Up for the World Cup Final

NEW YORK (AP) — No matter which nation you’re backing in the World Cup final, one universal truth remains: nothing sets the mood quite like a perfectly curated playlist. To help fuel the excitement ahead of Sunday’s showdown, the Associated Press has assembled a soundtrack worthy of the occasion.

Whether you’re rooting for Argentina to secure back-to-back titles for the first time since Brazil’s golden run in 1958 and 1962, or hoping Spain’s young sensation Lamine Yamal finds the net, these 10 tracks guarantee a musical victory for everyone.

Dive into the selections below and queue up your speakers.

“Dai Dai,” Shakira and Burna Boy (2026)

Start your World Cup final celebration with this year’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” a dynamic collaboration between Colombian icon Shakira and Afrobeats powerhouse Burna Boy. The track blends Latin flair with Afrobeats grooves, creating a multilingual, cross-cultural anthem built for a global audience. After an explosive chorus, the two artists trade verses before joining forces in a spirited duet. The song captures the unity and triumph that define the tournament. As Shakira explained, soccer brings together people from every culture and background — and crafting a World Cup anthem means channeling that shared emotion and passion into one unforgettable track.

“DNA (More Than A Game),” Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion (2026)

An unexpected quartet powers this genre-blending World Cup song. Tenor Andrea Bocelli joins EDM heavyweight David Guetta, singer-songwriter EJAE and rapper Megan Thee Stallion for “DNA (More Than A Game).” Sung in English, Italian and Korean, the anthem delivers a rousing message of empowerment. Bocelli and EJAE unite on the chorus, declaring that the sport is woven into our very identity.

For Bocelli, the collaboration marked a departure from his classical roots, but he embraced the chance to explore new musical territory. The result is a vibrant, uplifting track that radiates joy — exactly the kind of energy a global final demands.

“La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life),” Ricky Martin (1998)

A defining World Cup anthem, Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)” remains a gold standard. Released for the 1998 tournament in France, the Spanglish smash combines infectious soccer chants, mambo-pop rhythms, bold horn arrangements and club-ready intensity. Few songs capture the electric spirit of the competition so completely. Ale, ale, ale!

“Despechá,” Rosalía (2022)

Fans of Spain know this high-energy merengue-pop hit well. “Despechá” has become a celebratory staple for the national team, blasting through stadium speakers after goals and victories. With Spain once again in the final, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear it echo across the arena. Stylish, confident and irresistibly danceable, it matches the team’s flair on the pitch.

“Mi Gran Noche,” Raphael (1967)

Spanish legend Raphael holds a special place in the country’s festive soundtrack. “Mi Gran Noche,” a classic from the 1960s, continues to resonate across generations. Its vibrant brass arrangements and jubilant chorus make it a fixture in clubs, gatherings and celebrations. Decades later, its timeless charm still fuels nights of revelry — including those tied to football glory.

“La Roja Baila,” Sergio Ramos, Niña Pastori and RedOne (2016)

This spirited anthem united an unusual trio: footballer Sergio Ramos, flamenco-pop artist Niña Pastori and producer RedOne. Created for Spain’s 2016 European Championship campaign, “La Roja Baila” — meaning “The Red One Dances,” a nod to the team’s nickname — is packed with infectious hooks and chant-ready refrains. Though that tournament didn’t end as Spain had hoped, the song’s celebratory cry of “España, ey ey!” still inspires fans to sing along.

“La Cumbia de los Trapos,” Yerba Brava (2000)

Argentina’s supporters have embraced Yerba Brava’s “La Cumbia de los Trapos” as a defining anthem. A staple during their 2022 championship run, it has once again become a rallying cry this tournament. Written as a soccer song, the high-octane cumbia references “los trapos” — the flags that wave proudly in Argentine stadiums — and captures the fervor of the fans.

“Matador,” Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993, remastered 2008)

When Argentina scores, the sounds of “Matador” often follow. Los Fabulosos Cadillacs fuse ska, samba, reggae and rock into a brassy, chant-friendly explosion of rhythm. While it pulses like a party anthem, the song also carries historical weight, reflecting on Argentina’s dictatorship era. That layered meaning only deepens its impact.

“Dumbai,” Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso (2024)

Argentine duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso are known for pushing genre boundaries. Their music blends Latin pop hooks with trap, trance and tropical influences, often delivered with a playful, offbeat twist. “Dumbai” may be one of their more restrained offerings, but it still delivers a lively soundtrack for a night of celebration — perfect for a World Cup party.

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” Shakira featuring Freshlyground (2010)

No World Cup playlist would be complete without “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Shakira’s 2010 anthem, created for the South Africa tournament and featuring Freshlyground, set a benchmark for global sports songs. Infused with vibrant rhythms and inspired by African musical traditions, it blends local influences with universal pop appeal. Catchy, exuberant and impossible to forget, it remains one of the most iconic tournament anthems ever recorded.

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