Nigerian music stars are rapidly becoming the soundtrack of global football, and the latest evidence arrived with FIFA’s unveiling of Goals the newest anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup featuring Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema alongside South Korean superstar LISA and Brazilian hitmaker Anitta.
The collaboration marks another major crossover moment between Nigerian music and the world’s biggest football platforms, coming shortly after Burna Boy’s high-profile collaboration with Colombian icon Shakira in a football-related global entertainment project.
From UEFA Champions League finals to World Cup ceremonies and international football campaigns, Afrobeats is no longer just influencing global music culture it is increasingly becoming part of football’s biggest spectacles.
Released on Thursday through SALXCO UAM and Def Jam Recordings, Goals is the latest single from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album and has already generated massive excitement across music and football audiences worldwide.
Rema has joined LISA and Anitta on FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem ‘Goals’, continuing the growing influence of Nigerian music stars on football’s biggest global stages after Burna Boy’s recent collaboration with Shakira.
The song blends Afrobeats, K-pop and Latin pop influences, with Grammy-winning producer Cirkut bringing together three artists from different continents into one record designed for football’s biggest celebration.
FIFA described the project as a reflection of the global nature of the tournament and a platform where sport and music unite millions of fans across cultures.
“As the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album continues to unfold, it brings together voices from across continents and genres, reflecting the scale and reach of the tournament,” FIFA said in a statement.
“The project mirrors the vibrancy and breadth of the global game, serving as a unifying platform where music and sport intersect connecting fans, communities and sounds from around the world.”
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The Calm Down crooner described the record as a huge cultural moment capable of bringing different sounds and audiences together on one stage.
“Three continents, one track… bringing all our sounds together like this is a big moment for music on the world stage,” Rema said.
LISA, one of the world’s biggest K-pop stars, also spoke about the excitement of contributing to a FIFA World Cup project.
“Being a part of the Official FIFA World Cup Album this year has been so exciting. Music always unites people across the world, so it has been an honour to work with Anitta and Rema,” she said.
Brazilian singer Anitta admitted the World Cup holds special emotional value for her as a Brazilian artist deeply connected to football culture.
“My connection to the World Cup is deeply emotional. I’m Brazilian, after all, of course I have wonderful memories tied to the tournament,” she said.
“It’s incredibly special to now contribute to its history, collaborating with LISA and Rema on Goals! I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
The trio are expected to perform Goals live for the first time during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12 ahead of the opening match involving the United States.
The song becomes the fifth release from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album following earlier tracks Lighter, Por Ella, Echo and Illuminate.
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In recent years, Nigerian stars have become regular features at major football events, from Burna Boy’s performance at the UEFA Champions League final to Davido’s involvement at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar.
