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Trending on Billboard Shakira and The Weeknd are two of several big names joining the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund’s Advisory Board ahead of next year’s World Cup, it was announced Monday (Oct. 27). The Latin music superstar and Canadian hitmaker will work with fellow board members Ivanka Trump, Hugh Jackman, Gianni Infantino, Hugh Evans […]
In honor of the FIFA World Cup coming to North America next year, Liberty State Park in New Jersey — located across the Hudson River from Manhattan — has been selected as the official site of the FIFA Fan Festival, produced by Live Nation and DPS.
Met Life Stadium will host eight FIFA World Cup 26 games, including the Final Match. As a result, the NYNJ Host Committee chose Liberty State Park due to its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and proximity to Ellis Island and the iconic Statue of Liberty. The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans during the 39-day tournament, which is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Besides concerts and chances to participate in soccer challenges, fans can watch real-time match broadcasts and interactive fan activations, as well as activations for FIFA’s various corporate sponsors.
“The FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ will be the largest and most visible fan experience of the entire tournament,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee, in a statement. “This isn’t just about watching matches, it’s about celebrating the game” and “creating lasting impact for our communities, partners, and millions of fans.”
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As part of its role programming FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ, Live Nation will present a number of premier concerts on non-match days, “creating marquee moments that celebrate the intersection of soccer, music, and culture,” according to a press release.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is one of the world’s most prestigious events and an unparalleled opportunity to highlight the region’s diversity and deliver unforgettable fan experiences,” added Geoff Gordon, Chairman of Live Nation Northeast Region. “We’re honored to support the NYNJ Host Committee on this historic moment.”
Production company Diversified Production Services will handle most of the logistics of the FIFA Fan Festival, said Darren Pfeffer, president of DPS, who said in a statement, “The FIFA World Cup draws billions of viewers from all over the planet, and the FIFA Fan Festival NYNJ will enable hundreds of thousands of fans to experience it in an immersive way.”
Christie Huus, chief events officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee, added, “There’s nothing more powerful than bringing people together, and the FIFA World Cup will ignite our region with energy and excitement. The depth of experience Live Nation and DPS bring will ensure success in transforming NYNJ into one big block party.”
Tickets for the FIFA Fan Festival go on sale soon at FIFA.com/tickets.
The legendary Estadio Azteca will be renamed and will now bear the name of a Mexican bank sponsor in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was announced on Friday (March 14) by Banorte and Grupo Ollamani, the company that owns the venue, through a joint statement. They also revealed a “long-term alliance” encompassing advertising and sponsorship elements.
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“Starting today, the Cathedral of World Football will carry the name Estadio Banorte,” the companies stated in the document, shared on social media.
With Grupo Banorte’s investment, this iconic stadium located in Mexico City is expected to become one of the most modern in the world in terms of technology, sustainability, and connectivity.
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The agreement with Ollamani includes a loan of 2.1 billion pesos ($106 million) from Grupo Financiero Banorte to fund the stadium’s renovation for the 2026 World Cup. The financing terms are set for 12 years, according to the release.
“For Ollamani and the new Estadio Banorte, it is an honor to join forces with the most important Mexican financial institution in the country,” said Emilio Azcárraga Jean, president of Grupo Ollamani and owner of Club América, in the document. “With them, we will modernize this iconic stadium, respecting its essence and architectural designs recognized for decades. It will be the most important venue to showcase Mexico to the world.”
This is the second time the renowned venue, currently undergoing renovations, has changed its name since it was inaugurated as Estadio Azteca in 1966. In 1997, it was renamed Estadio Guillermo Cañedo in honor of one of the key figures behind its construction, but fans did not embrace the new name and continued referring to it by its original one.
El Azteca, witness to legendary football moments featuring icons like Pelé and Diego Maradona, has a capacity of approximately 81,000 spectators. The Mexico City venue will host the opening match and two additional games of the world’s biggest football tournament, set to take place next year across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Its majestic stage has hosted iconic international music figures such as Paul McCartney, Madonna, U2, and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. In recent years, Latin music superstars like Shakira, Bad Bunny, and Karol G have joined the list of artists who have performed at this legendary venue. It was also the site of the farewell concert of one of Mexico’s greatest music stars, Vicente Fernández, in April 2016.
Among its most memorable moments are massive gatherings like Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1999 and the boxing matches of Mexican icon Julio César Chávez in 1993.
Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin is working with FIFA to curate the first Super Bowl-style halftime show at the World Cup final next year. The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — to be known as New York New Jersey Stadium for the World Cup — will host the final on July 19, 2026. FIFA is also […]
Musicians around the globe are celebrating Argentina’s exhilarating win over France at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
Artists like Ricky Martin, Kid Cudi, Daddy Yankee, Niall Horan and many more took to social media on Sunday (Dec. 18) to express their excitement over the thrilling match at Lusail Stadium, during which Argentina beat France in penalty kicks.
“God. This was crazy!! Congratulations!!” Martin, wearing a blue and white Argentina jersey, captioned a video on Instagram of himself celebrating the win.
“WHAT A GAME OF FOOTBALL!! Congratulations Argentina,” former One Direction member Horan tweeted.
In one of the most dramatic World Cup games in history, Argentina beat reigning men’s champion France. In a 3-3 tie after extra time, Argentina sealed the victory with 4-2 in penalty kicks.
Others music stars celebrated soccer icon Lionel Messi’s first-ever World Cup win. During the final match, the legendary player scored two goals, including one in the 108th minute of the game.
“Messi Messi Messi” producer Marshmello tweeted.
Boy George added on Twitter, “Wow #ArgentinaVsFrance what a match! Feel sad for France but proud for #Messi.”
Cudi also expressed his excitement for the sport after watching the dramatic match. “Ive never watched soccer before but this s— LIT,” the rapper-actor tweeted.
Hours before the last match, a wave of artists took over the soccer field for an energetic closing ceremony at the Lusail Stadium. The 10-minute performance included a mashup of songs from the official FIFA music soundtrack, luanching with American-Nigerian artist Davido and Qatari singer Aisha singing “(Hayya Hayya) Better Together.” Puerto Rican star Ozuna and French-Congolese rapper Gims joined the artists for an uplifting set of “Arhbo.” The ceremony wrapped with the full female lineup of “Light the Sky.”
See more musician reactions to the World Cup final below.
Ive never watched soccer before but this shit LIT— The Chosen One (@KiDCuDi) December 18, 2022
WHAT A GAME OF FOOTBALL !! Congratulations Argentina 🇦🇷 !— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) December 18, 2022
Felicidades Argentina!!!❤️❤️❤️🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼— Flea (@flea333) December 18, 2022
HATRICK HERO MBAPPE!!! This game has everything— Masked Wolf (@maskedwolfmusic) December 18, 2022
Much respect to Argentina! Congratulations 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 After 36 years Messi brought La Copa home🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾— Kat Deluna (@KatDeLuna) December 18, 2022
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is nearly wrapping up, with Croatia and Morocco facing off on Saturday (Dec. 17) for the third place title, and Argentina and France going head-to-head on Sunday (Dec. 18) for the championship.
As has been tradition for many years now, a select number of songs soundtrack the global soccer event, such as Ricky Martin‘s “Cup of Life,” the official song of the 1998 event held in France, and Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 World Cup in Africa. At times, the tracks also show up on the Billboard charts. “Waka Waka” peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated July 3, 2010, and Martin’s “Cup of Life” peaked at No. 45 on the Hot 100 in 1998.
This year, some of the tracks featured on the diverse official soundtrack are Trinidad Cardona, Davido and Aisha’s “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” as well as Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares’ “Tukoh Taka,” which made history as the first FIFA World Cup song featuring English, Spanish and Arabic lyrics.
Below, we’ve compiled photos from the various World Cup official song performances throughout the years, stemming all the way back to 1994. See them below.
Soccer and music have always meshed well. Some of Latin music’s biggest artists, such as Maluma, Carlos Vives, Melendi, and Fito Paéz have proven to be passionate fútbol aficionados and vice versa. Soccer stars such as José Manuel Pinto (former goalkeeper for Barcelona FC) and Jese “Jey M” Rodriguez (former striker for Real Madrid), for instance, have not shied away from kicking off music careers. The former has collaborated with CNCO and Lali; The latter has a remix with Alexis & Fido, De La Ghetto, and Alex Rose.
Soccer and music are also a match made in heaven when it comes to romance. The best example is soccer superstar David Beckham and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, whose dreamy love story began 25 years ago, and who have since welcomed four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
Another popular soccer-and-music power couple was Shakira and Gerard Piqué, who met during the 2010 World Cup and share two children, Sasha and Milan. Unfortunately, after a 12-year relationship, the Colombian artist and Barcelona defender announced their split in June this year. “We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a joint statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
There have been several famous soccer WAGS (the term given to the wives and girlfriends of athletes) from the Latin pop world over the years. Below, check out some past and present real-life couples who blended the two worlds.
In the midst of the monthlong 2022 FIFA World Cup, a wave of Argentine artists have used social media to show their support for the national team, which is headed to the finals against France on Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
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Artists such as Bizarrap, Rusherking, Lali Esposito and TINI, who’s dating soccer player Rodrigo De Paul, have traveled miles away to the Middle East to experience the excitement in person. Others, such as Trueno and Khea, have documented their reactions on Instagram after a match.
If the Argentine national team anthem “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” is any indication, fans of the Albiceleste team are also very hopeful that the team’s captain, Lionel “Leo” Messi, will win his first-ever World Cup trophy.
“We’re already happy about winning the 2021 Copa America, but I think that winning this would be the icing on the cake,” rap artist Lit Killah previously told Billboard. “There is a lot of expectation and enthusiasm due to the fact that it’s Lionel Messi’s last World Cup. With that pressure and that desire of the people to see him win a World Cup, I think we would have the country happy for the rest of our lives.”
If Argentina or France win, both would secure their third World Cup. The former following its 1978 and 1986 wins, and the latter after winning in 1998 and 2018.
But as we wait for the grand finale, Billboard put together a fan poll featuring more than 20 Argentine artists who would make for great company at a World Cup watch party. Who would you want to watch the finals with? Vote below:
One of the most memorable moments in Latin music during the 2022 World Cup was undoubtedly “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” a cover of an old La Mosca song that was given new lyrics by a fan. The song has become the ultimate anthem to celebrate the achievements of the Argentine National Team in Qatar and beyond, and now it takes on special relevance with the Albiceleste’s advancement to the final of the event held this Sunday (Dec. 18).
“Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar, quiero ganar la tercera, quiero ser campeón mundial,” or “Boys, we have our hopes up again, I want to win the third, I want to be world champion,” goes the song, which was chanted by thousands of fans on Tuesday (Dec. 13) when Argentina beat Croatia 3-0.
The song itself is a poetic ode to Argentina’s profound respect for soccer and its solidarity and empathy as a nation. It mentions the late sports legend Diego Armando Maradona cheering on Lionel Messi from heaven with his mother, Dalma Salvadora Franco, aka La Tota. She is said to have become the most influential figure for the mythical Maradona, which is why fans christened her “the Mother of Soccer.”
“It has to do with our frustrations, our successes, our hopes, Malvinas, finals lost and finals won. And of course to have the illusion of being champions again,” Guillermo Novellis previously told Billboard.
“Muchachos” came into the public consciousness when the world’s most popular Argentine soccer player, Lionel Messi, was asked what his favorite song was during a television interview just before the World Cup kickoff. He mentioned the endearing song by La Mosca, and even sang it on screen.
“It’s like arriving in Rome and being introduced by the Pope,” Novellis told Billboard about that moment.
In November, the entire Argentina national team was caught on camera singing it at the top of their lungs as they celebrated their victory over Mexico.
“Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar” is a version of “Muchachos, Esta Noche me Emborracho,” also by La Mosca, released in 2003. But the most recent version — written by soccer fan Fernando Romero in July 2021 to celebrate Argentina’s run to the Copa América final — is the one that has captured hearts.
“It’s a song that has a lot of tango in its lyrics and melody,” said Novellis. “This [newer] version started with Copa América, and the new lyrics are really good. They have to do with our frustrations, our success, our hopes, the Falklands, finals lost and finals won. And of course, the hope of being champions again. Maybe that’s why it resonated so much with fans and players.”
Here are the translated lyrics of the anthem that has gone viral during the 2022 World Cup:
In Argentina I was bornLand of Diego and LionelOf the children of MalvinasThat I will never forgetI can’t explain it to youBecause you won’t understandThe finals we lostHow many years I criedBut that’s overBecause at the MaracanáThe final with the brazucasDad won it againBoysNow we’ve got our hopes up againI want to win the thirdI want to be world championAnd DiegoFrom the sky we can see himWith Don Diego and La TotaCheering Lionel onBoysNow we’ve got our hopes up againI want to win the thirdI want to be world championAnd DiegoFrom the sky we can see himWith Don Diego and La TotaCheering Lionel on, and to be champions again, and to be champions again
For the original Spanish lyrics, click here.
Argentina’s last game was a nail-biter. After a nerve-racking penalty shootout over the Netherlands in one of the most exciting matches yet of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina is the last team standing from Latin America.
Now in the semifinals, Argentina — with star player Lionel Messi leading La Albiceleste — will go up against Croatia on Tuesday, Dec. 13. It’s been a wild ride for Argentina, who started the tournament in November losing against Saudi Arabia 2-1. But in a 360, the team won the rest of their matches against Mexico, Poland and Australia.
Ahead of what will probably be an equally thrilling game between Argentina and Croatia, we put together a list of Argentine anthems to help calm the nerves and get you feeling hopeful. Of course, Messi’s now-confirmed favorite song, La Mosca‘s “Muchachos, Ahora Nos Volvimos a Ilusionar,” powered by a blend of ska, rock and pop, laced with tango, is on the playlist. The song not only pumps Messi but also Argentine fans who are just as passionate about the sport.
“The Argentine fan isn’t happy just being a spectator; he wants a starring role, from the stands, from the audience,” La Mosca’s lead singer Guillermo Novellis previously told Billboard. “As far as soccer goes, every single person in Argentina has played soccer at some point in their lives.
From Andrés Calamaro‘s “Maradona” to Fito Paez‘s “Y dale alegría a mi corazón,” stream the playlist of Argentine anthems we’ve put together to get you in the spirit and rooting for Argentina — if that’s the team you’re hoping to win it all.
