South African superstar Tyla has teamed up with American rapper Future to release “Game Time”, the official music video for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing the powerful link between African sounds and the world’s biggest sporting event.
Tyla and Future have officially dropped “Game Time”, the latest music video tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collaboration brings together one of Africa’s brightest global stars with one of hip-hop’s most influential voices, further strengthening the deep connection between African music and the world’s biggest football tournament.
The release continues a proud tradition of African artists providing the soundtrack to the FIFA World Cup. From Shakira’s “Waka Waka” in 2010 to the growing influence of Afrobeats and Amapiano in recent years, African sounds have become inseparable from the tournament’s global identity.
The Enduring Legacy of “Waka Waka”
No song has defined a World Cup quite like Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”. Released for the 2010 tournament hosted in South Africa, the track became a global phenomenon. As of 3 June 2026, the official music video has surpassed 4.5 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched videos in the platform’s history.
Even 16 years later, fans continue to return to the song. Recent comments on the video show how deeply it remains embedded in football culture:
• “Anyone 2 Jun 2026..? 😭🤧” – @alrafiMahmud-1 (5k likes)
• “Who is coming after Dai Dai song? 🇧🇷🇺🇸🇿🇦🇵🇹” – @MenteDigital258 (17k likes)
• “Listening to this masterpiece after FIFA World Cup 2026 song. 💀” – @Kamran45_ (28k likes)
• “Anybody is 27 May 2026??? 😂” – @mehranahmadi898 (7.9k likes)
• “Who came here after seeing Shakira announcement of 2026 world cup song with Burna Boy dropping on May 14” – @realjoshblaze (8k likes)
The comments show that “Waka Waka” is not just a song — it is a cultural memory that still brings people together every time a new World Cup approaches.
Tyla and Future Carry the Torch
With “Game Time”, Tyla and Future are now carrying that torch into 2026. The song blends Tyla’s signature Amapiano-infused pop sound with Future’s melodic trap style, creating a fresh but unmistakably African energy that feels right for the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The collaboration is being seen as a natural evolution. While “Waka Waka” introduced the world to South African sounds in 2010, artists like Tyla represent the new generation taking African music to even greater heights on the global stage.
The release of “Game Time” has already generated massive excitement across Africa and the global football community, with many fans saying it perfectly captures the energy and pride of the continent heading into the 2026 tournament.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, one thing is clear: African artists remain at the heart of the tournament’s soundtrack — from Shakira’s timeless classic to the new wave led by Tyla and Future.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup in France is remembered for many things — Zinedine Zidane’s heroics, France’s first title, and the emergence of a young Ronaldo. But musically, it marked a turning point that still echoes today.
For the first time, the tournament had a true global pop anthem that transcended football. That song was “The Cup of Life” (La Copa de la Vida) by Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin. Released as the official song, it exploded onto charts worldwide and became the soundtrack of the summer.
The Birth of the Modern World Cup Anthem
Before 1998, World Cup songs existed but rarely crossed over into mainstream pop culture. “The Cup of Life” changed that forever. Performed live at both the opening and closing ceremonies, the song combined infectious Latin rhythms, stadium-ready energy, and a universal message of celebration.
The track reached No.1 in more than 60 countries and sold millions of copies. It introduced Latin music to a new global audience and proved that a football anthem could become a cultural phenomenon.
How “The Cup of Life” Paved the Way for “Waka Waka”
Twelve years later, when South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” took the formula established in 1998 and made it even bigger. Featuring South African band Freshlyground, the song blended African rhythms with pop and became the most successful World Cup anthem of all time, amassing over 4.5 billion YouTube views by June 2026.
Without “The Cup of Life” proving that a football song could conquer the world, it’s unlikely that “Waka Waka” would have been given the same platform or achieved the same impact.
The Evolution of World Cup Music
Since 1998, every World Cup has tried to capture the same magic. From “Waka Waka” in 2010 to the multiple songs released for 2014, 2018 and 2022, the trend of featuring African and Latin artists has become the norm.
The 2026 tournament continues this legacy, with Tyla and Future’s “Game Time” becoming the latest official release. The song carries forward the spirit that began in France in 1998 — using football as a global stage to celebrate culture and unity.
Legacy That Still Lives On
Even today, fans regularly return to “The Cup of Life” and “Waka Waka” during major tournaments. The comments sections of both videos are filled with people saying they still get chills hearing them, proving that great World Cup music becomes timeless.
The 1998 tournament showed the world that a football anthem could be more than background music — it could become a cultural moment that unites millions across continents.
