From Planet Funk to Daft Punk, the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico has introduced one of the tournament's most talked-about new features: dedicated goal songs for all 48 competing nations.
Every football association was invited to submit two songs — one to be played after each goal scored, and another to ring out at the final whistle following a victory. The results have ranged from the expected to the genuinely surprising.
England's darts connection
England supporters — especially those who follow the darts circuit — would have found the choice immediately familiar. The Football Association selected Planet Funk's Chase the Sun as England's goal song, a track synonymous with major darts events including the World Darts Championships and Premier League Darts.
The song proved an instant hit in Dallas. England scored four times in their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, giving fans in the stadium and at home plenty of chances to sing along — which they did, even during stretches when the song was not being played.
England fans were also treated to Three Lions by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds after the final whistle, while clips of the squad singing Wonderwall by Oasis back to the crowd spread rapidly online.
Standout choices from around the world
Scotland went with the sentimental favourite I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers. Australia chose AC/DC's Thunderstruck as their goal anthem and Land Down Under by Men At Work as their victory song — the latter echoing around the stadium after a 2-0 win over Turkey. France opted for Daft Punk's One More Time, while co-hosts the United States selected a remixed version of Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Germany and Curacao fans shared an unusual experience: Peter Schilling's Major Tom — a song inspired by David Bowie — was played seven times during Germany's commanding victory over the tournament debutants.
Among the more unconventional picks, Austria went with dance act Scooter's Maria (I Like It Loud). The Czech Republic chose a modernised, upbeat version of the beloved terrace anthem Seven Nation Army, originally by The White Stripes, as reimagined by Mickie Krause. Switzerland, meanwhile, plumped for Gala's Freed From Desire.
A growing trend in football
Goal songs are no longer exclusive to international tournaments. Clubs including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Crystal Palace have embraced the tradition in their own stadiums. At the 2026 World Cup, the format has already proven its popularity — 40 of the 48 nations scored at least one goal during the opening round of group fixtures, meaning almost every squad has heard their chosen song played at least once.
