Qatar World Cup 2022: What is the official World Cup song and what song plays when England score?

From ‘World in Motion’ to ‘Ally’s Tartan Army’, music always plays a part in the football World Cup – and the Qatar tournament is no different.

Every tournament has a few official songs, usually introduced in the opening ceremony then played in stadia throughout the competition before and after games.

Some of them prove to be very memorable – think of Shakira’s catchy ‘Waka Waka at South Africa 2010 – and occasionally even the mascot gets its own songs.

Meanwhile, many teams also have their official songs to pump the fans up and celebrate goals.

Here’s what we know about the soundtrack to Qatar 2022.

What is the official anthem of the Qatar 2022 World Cup?

There are a number of songs association with this year’s World Cup but the first to be released was Hayya Hayya (Better Together), combining the talents of breakthrough US star Trinidad Cardona, Afrobeats icon Davido and Qatari sensation Aisha.

FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Kay Madati said: “By bringing together voices from the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, this song symbolises how music – and football – can unite the world.”

Tears for Fears are one of the artists involved in the official soundtrack for Qatar 2022.

The lyrics of the infectious chorus are as follows:

(Yo yo yo, yo ho)You know we better together(Yo yo yo, yo ho)Don't wanna wait forever(Yo yo yo, yo ho)You know we better together(Yo yo yo, yo ho)The time is now or neverHayya, Hayya, HayyaHayya, Hayya, Ha—Hayya, Hayya, HayyaHayya, Hayya, Ha—

What are the other official songs of the World Cup?

For the first time in World Cup history the tournament has an official playlist, with FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Kay Madati explaining: “As part of FIFA's revamped music strategy, the multi-song soundtrack will bring passionate fans closer to the spirit of the FIFA World Cup like never before.”

Sponsors Budweiser have their own anthem, ‘The World Is Yours To Take’, which is performed by rapper Lil Baby and is a new version of the Tears for Fears classic ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’.

Meanwhile ‘Arhbo’ is a piece of reggae-infused dance music performed by multiple artists including Maitre Gims and Ozune, and produced by RedOne.

Multiple artists are also involved in ‘Light The Sky’, including Canadian artist Nora Fatehi, Balqees, Rahma Riad, Manal & RedOne

Fans have their own anthem in the form of ‘Tukoh Taka’, which includes verses in English, Spanish and Arabic. It’s performed by three global superstars from different parts of the world – Nicki Minaj, Maluma, and Myriam Fares.

Finally, there’s the song ‘Dreamers’, which was memorably performed at the opening ceremony by South Korean singer Jung Kook – best known for bing part of chart-topping K-pop band BTS.

What was the song that played when England score in their opening game?

Those watching England’s 6-2 win over Ecuador got plenty of chances to hear the song that was chosen to mark their goals.

The song is ‘Freed from Desire’, a eurodance song by Italian singer Gala that was released in 1996 and reached number two in the UK charts in July 1997.

It is often sung at football matches with altered lyrics, a practice first adopted by Stevenage FC in 2012 fans in tribute to winger Luke Freeman when they sand: "Freeman's on fire, your right back is terrified.”

Other versions followed at Newcastle United, Fulham FC, Wigan Athletic, Melbourne Victory FC and AC Milan, while international fans from Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales, England, Belgium and France have also made their made their own versions of the song.