The Best World Cup Songs — And the Ones You May Have Forgotten

The World Cup is just as much about the music as it is about the soccer, and over the years, we've seen some iconic anthems that have become ingrained in popular culture. Take Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" for example, which was a huge hit during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and still gets played at sporting events today. The song's catchy beat and memorable lyrics made it a standout, and it's no surprise that it's often included on lists of the best World Cup songs.

But not all World Cup anthems have achieved the same level of lasting success. Los Ramblers' "El Mariachi" was a big hit during the 1994 World Cup in the United States, but it may be less familiar to younger fans who grew up with more recent hits like "We Are One (Ole Ola)" by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte. Still, for those who grew up during that era, "El Mariachi" is a nostalgic reminder of the excitement and energy of the World Cup.

As we look ahead to future World Cups, it'll be interesting to see which new songs will join the ranks of these beloved anthems. Will we see a resurgence of classic sounds, or will new artists and styles take center stage? One thing to watch is the role of social media and streaming platforms in shaping the soundtrack of the World Cup. With more and more people consuming music online, it's likely that we'll see new and innovative approaches to World Cup music in the years to come.

Originally reported by rollingstone.com. TriviaNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.