Qatar World Cup 2022: Full list of official World Cup soundtracks
The FIFA Qatar World Cup 2022 kicks off on Sunday and as the buzz starts to build for the tournament, the official soundtracks have been released.
The World Cup has produced anthems from Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag and Ricky Martin’s classic La Copa de la Vida.
This year, FIFA has officially released four tracks for the tournament, created by Grammy Award-winning producer RedOne – known best for his early work with Lady Gaga (Just Dance, Poker Face) - who is FIFA’s creative entertainment executive. Songs commissioned by the events official sponsors have also begun to emerge.
Here is an updated list of all the official World Cup tracks released so far– so fire up the playlist for football’s showpiece event.
Hayya Hayya (Better Together)
The first of FIFA’s releases with American singer Trinidad Cardona, Nigerian hit maker Davido and Qatari based artist AISHA.
The word Hayya means hurry up in Arabic - and as such this track emulates the excitement the World Cup creates – after much anticipation, fans want the competition to get going.
This track is probably the most quintessentially ‘World Cup’ – it would be my pick of the bunch for those wanting to get that FIFA feeling going – it captures the theme of the host nation, has an easy sing along vibe and the “oii oii” hook provides a ready-made chant for fans at the stadium.
If you want a track that feels like the Qatar World Cup, this is the one for you.
(8/10)
Arhbo
Ozuna, Maítre Gims and RedOne feature in this dance-inspired reggaeton infused banger. The anthem creates the festive spirit of the tournament with a Latin infused drum beat and a catchy Spanish hook you can’t help but sing along to – whether you know the meaning or not.
Latin songs tend to carry the fiesta mood of the World Cup well – particularly because we’re used to South American teams doing so well in the tournament – so the track is a welcome addition to the playlist
The switch from Spanish to French vocals also provides the international feel the competition is all about.
The accompanying video features images of football stars including Zinedine Zidane, Cafu, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo and others.
(8/10)
Light The Sky
This exotic number is an upbeat all-female collaboration with the Arab world’s biggest women singers – Balqees, Nora Fatehi, Manal and Rahma Riad – and produced by RedOne.
The uplifting track about togetherness, and the music video includes female referees who will be taking part in the Middle East’s first World Cup.
Given the controversies of the human rights record in Qatar, a confident female empowered collaboration is very welcome.
(7/10)
The World Is Yours to Take
The Lil Baby song is a take on the Tears for Fears classic Everybody Wants to Rule the World – using the iconic synth instrumental and adding trap drumbeats to create a modern twist.
The track was released in parternship with Budweiser, a FIFA World Cup sponsor.
The song itself, however, does not make for easy listening – and the reviews reflect this.
Lil Baby’s typically pristine delivery was increasingly choppy in the track and at times felt out of time with the beat – strange for a rapper of Lil Baby’s capabilities.
However, as the Budweiser official track, I’m sure it’ll sound better after a few bottles – great marketing.
(3/10)
Yet To Come
Global K POP sensations BTS released the track in partnership with Hyundai, an official World Cup sponsor, for their campaign.
The track, which explores hip hop and alternative sounds – has already been a success with the charts, peaking at No.13 in the US Billboard Hot 100.
The song flips between English and Korean speaking, incorporating pop rock instrumentals with uplifting lyrics “the best is yet to come” – of course also loaded with football references.
The track itself is not an ideal choice before a game, however, being a softer and more subtle tune, it doesn’t really speak to the rollercoaster of emotions that an international tournament brings.
It does serve it purpose as a commercial brand advertisement for the tournament, and is a well-delivered pop effort that will outlive its purpose as just a purely World Cup song.
Jungkook from the group will also be performing at the World Cup opening ceremony – which may be an opportunity for fans to hear the track live.
(6/10)
Ulayeh
The motivational lyrics provide that fighting spirit that the World Cup is all about – giving it your all for your country – are perfectly in tune with the spirit of the competition.
The track infuses Arabic-style instrumentals and guitar chords with Spanish vocals which creates a saucy sound.
The track, again with RedOne’s signature production, features vocals from Colombian singer Sebastian Yatra andNouamane Belaiachi.
The creation is a solid foot-tapping head-bopping experience that will add a bit of warmth to a chilly winter World Cup.
(7/10)
Aeropuerto
Showing the ever-lasting enthusiasm for the World Cup in the Spanish speaking world, Colombian singer Camilo is another addition of Latin bangers on the list.
The track was released in partnership with Telemundo, an official FIFA World Cup broadcaster.
Aeropuerto means airport in Spanish – if it wasn’t obvious – and is not where any teams want to be heading in this tournament any time soon.
The entirely Spanish track provides a catchy hook and beat that you’ll bop your head to whether you know what the words mean or not.
It doesn’t feel like it was made specifically for the World Cup, as its listenability doesn’t seem chained to football tournaments in the same way songs like Three Lions are.
It’s not really a football stadium song, but it’s very catchy and well produced – so if you want a break from the hyped-up energy, this smooth listening Spanish melody this track provides is for you.
(6/10)
