The 2018 FIFA World Cup is hours away from the kick-off in Russia, and fans are all geared up for the biggest football event. Catching the pulse of football lovers, FIFA has always had an official song every time to set the tone for the World Cup. As a result, World Cup songs have been an integral part of the tradition for years now. The 2018 edition has got its official song in the form of a number belted out by actor-rapper Will Smith, Nicky Jam, and Era Istrefi. Watch the official song of FIFA 2018 here.

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While the official song for 2018 World Cup has failed to emerge as a sensation yet, according to reports, let’s take a look at how the previous five songs were received by the listeners.

1998 FIFA World Cup: “La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)” by Ricky Martin  

Released on March 9, 1998, “The Cup of Life” became the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. It topped the charts in many countries around the world and remains a favourite till date. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that though released long before the digital era, the song has reportedly sold nearly 1.5 lakh digital copies in the US alone so far.

2002 FIFA World cup: “Boom” by Anastacia

Sung by American recording artist Anastacia, ‘Boom’ served as the official song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. More than a decade later, in 2014, MTV Italy declared it the country’s favourite World Cup song.

2006 FIFA World Cup: “The Time of Our Lives” by Il Divo ( featuring Toni Braxton)

The official song for 2006 FIFA World Cup was in line with the overall theme of the event, which was “A time to make friends”.

The anthem-like feel of the number clicked with the audience and made it one of the chart-busters. Written by Jörgen Elofsson,  the song was recorded by multinational operatic pop quartet Il Divo and American R&B singer Toni Braxton.

2010 FIFA World Cup: “Waka Waka” by Shakira 

This major hit by Colombian singer Shakira got all waists shaking to the Waka Waka tune from the moment it was released. The music video of 2010 FIFA official song also featured footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and became one of the most-watched videos of all time.

2014 FIFA World Cup: “We Are One (Ole Ola)” by Pitbull (featuring Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte) 

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Though the previous World cup song by rapper Pitbull gained a commercial success but disappointed the Brazilian fans. Later on, another version of the song was released to garner some afro Brazilian feel. Reaching 20 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Brazil, the We are one song marked the no 1 position in 3 countries.