What makes for a good world cup song?

NPR | By Mia Venkat,

Tinbete Ermyas

Published May 14, 2026 at 4:55 PM EDT

Shakira has a new World Cup song being released Thursday. What are the elements of a good World Cup anthem — and why has Shakira been so successful at it?

Arts

Mia Venkat

Tinbete Ermyas

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What makes for a good world cup song?

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.