The FIFA World Cup™ not only showcases football from around the world, but also music. From fan favourited, to the Official Soundtrack, to the infectious drumming from the Senegal supporters' band during matches, the tournament has featured an eclectic mix of sounds from all corners of the globe, showing how football and music can unite the world. Music’s role at the FIFA World Cup has grown over the years and has become a way of getting fans even more involved the game. The FIFA Fan Festival, for example, is now an integral part of the tournament, mixing live screening of matches with performances by international artists. Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Colombian star Maluma opened the Live Stage with headline solo concerts, with Nora Fatehi and Calvin Harris also set to perform. Acts from, among others, Nigeria, Spain, France, Kuwait, the U.S., Colombia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jamaica and Germany will also perform.

For the first time, each of the 32 participating teams in Qatar were asked by FIFA to select a song that they would like to be played when their team scores a goal. This has led to an intriguing mix of choices, ranging from the modern, to the traditional, to old favourites from the past, and which, again, showcase musical styles from around the world. Gala's "Freed From Desire", a hit in the 1990s, remains hugely popular with football fans and was initially chosen by three teams -- Poland, England and Switzerland. To avoid a clash, England chose "One Kiss" by Dua Lipa as a back-up song while Poland used Balkanica by Piersi as their second choice. Brazil take their goal celebrations seriously and have plumped for Esquentando o Couro by Mocidade Independete de Padre Miguel, one of the Rio de Janeiro samba schools that participate in the city’s world famous carnival.

Coach Tite explained before the tournament that music and dancing play a fundamental part of his team’s identity. "Everyone has their own way. Our way is dancing,” he said, adding that celebrations are in no way meant to disrespect opponents. “This is one of our characteristics and we have to do it naturally wherever we may be. Just like we respect all other cultures, like we respect the Arab culture, the culture of other countries, please respect ours.” Mexico have also gone with a sound that is instantly associated with their country, choosing La Negra by La Hija del Mariachi. Spanish fans had the chance to hear their choice Mi Gran Noche, by singer and actor Raphael, a song recorded back in 1967, seven times during their 7-0 win over Costa Rica in their opening match. Raphael represented Spain in the Eurovision song contest that year and has sold more than 70 million records worldwide. Australia also went for an old favourite, choosing the 1980s hit Down Under by Men at Work. Ghana and Cameroon were among those who preferred local artists. The Black Stars celebrate their goals to the sound of Oofeets by Sarkodie, one of Africa’s most successful rappers and leading proponent of the Azonto style, and Cameroon have plumped for Mbandjoh by Les Rythmeurs ABC, which was widely played when the country hosted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in January and February. Blur's Song 2 (France), Idol by BTS (Korea Republic) and Zombie Nation by Kernkraft 400 (Wales) are among some of the others.

Another innovation for the FIFA World Cup 2022 is that pre-match or half-time performances have been introduced for selected matches of the tournament. The performers include Kevin Davy White, a UK X Factor contestant in 2017; Chesney Hawkes, best known for the single The One and Only which topped the UK charts in 1991; singer-songwriter Erin Bowman; R & B singer Trinidad Cardona; alternative rock bank Republica; UK-based harmony group Overtones, Irish duo Boyzlife, Pixel Drummers and Gitano Family. FIFA recognises that football fans, who are renowned for their passion and creativity, provide their own entertainment and the music played during the matches is intended to add to this and get the fans even more involved. You can also check out the FIFA Sound Playlist on Spotify.