The 2026 World Cup captured the imagination of a global audience — combining passion, support, energy and a healthy dose of music.

Every country has their own chants, music and anthems that ring out during their games. Interestingly, FIFA invited every one of the 48 competing nations to select a soundtrack, with one to ring out every time the team scored, and another to celebrate a full-time victory.

It allowed an incredible atmosphere to develop across the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, FIFA created playlists together with the national associations, but a lot of the picks were spotted by fans in the ground, and several teams used more than one song — meaning the track you heard could change from match to match.

Therefore, we’ve decided to wade through the tournament and analyse all the reported goal celebration songs by each country in the competition, from which information is publicly available.

Goal celebration songs by team

From the list above, it is clear that English-speaking nations have gone for universally known anthems to engage the fans and help elevate an already important moment.

England‘s pick takes inspiration from another one of the country’s biggest fan-friendly sports: darts. Whilst the Scottish embraced one of the most well-known important music exports with the Proclaimers.

America steered into the classic rock anthem with Bon Jovi and the French went for the high-energy and famed dance anthem from Daft Punk, which goes hand-in-hand with their on-pitch electricity. Whilst Australia’s ‘Land Down Under’ is inherently Aussie, it is also the most jovial of songs on the list.

Outside of that, most countries kept it traditional, selecting something that truly represents their people rather than a global anthem that all will know. South Korea‘s K-Pop selection is a global phenomenon, but the rest are songs likely only known to the country and a very small percentage of people who aren’t natives.

England Goal Celebration Song

“Chase the Sun” by Planet Funk was released in Europe around the start of the decade. It is an Italian electronic production and its melody is lifted from a film score. The unique sound has become an anthem for sporting fans.

British audiences know it best as the official anthem of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, perfect for a fast-moving and exciting environment and one that represents joy for English fan culture. However, the unofficial supporter anthem that has been adopted by the team is “Wonderwall” by Oasis, that has brought incredible post-match celebration footage.

Spain Goal Celebration Song

The reigning European champions’ goal music includes “Despechá” by Rosalía, which is one of two goal songs used by the Spanish. This 2022 release became one of the year’s defining summer hits, making it perfect for stadium and fan celebrations. A contemporary choice for a team that is well-used to success and joyous moments on the pitch.

Argentina Goal Celebration Song

This song sits alongside specific fan chants that have been well-loved by the Argentinian fans. For example, this song from Yerba Brava is a bouncing, street song that plays over the PA when they find the net.

It shouldn’t be confused with the fan songs that we hear, including Muchachos — or ‘The Land of Diego and Lionel‘ which have been universally sung from the 2022 World Cup triumph into the next tournament. A new one is La Cuarta Estrella and others include ‘El que no brinque es Inglés’ (Whoever Doesn’t Jump is English), Argentine singer Gilda’s ‘No me arrepiento de este amor‘ and ‘El Diez‘, a song about Diego Maradona.

France Goal Celebration Song

Released in 2000, Daft Punk were known for creating one of the classics in the electric, dance and house genres. It is a wholly euphoric track that is endlessly repeatable and the build-up and explosion of sound is perfect for a team with incredible firepower who aims at capturing World Cup glory. There is also ‘Song 2′ by Blur, which is reportedly in their rotation, which also speaks to the high-energy.

With the transfer market in full swing, we’ve seen Premier League clubs flex their financial muscles, but there is a section of the market that remains mostly untouched.

In football transfer business, there is one area clubs can target that gives them better negotiating power: players who have less than a year remaining on their current contracts. That leverage leads to potential opportunities for clubs that ordinarily wouldn’t have been possible before.

We’ve decided to collate the best 10 Premier League players whose deals expire in June 2027, and we’ve ranked them by pure quality right now and standing on the market — and their contract statuses are correct as of the time of writing.

How we ranked them: current form and quality first, then influence on their team, with contract situation as the qualifying filter rather than the ranking metric.

10

Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)

It has been a difficult 12–18 month period for Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott. A favourite under Jürgen Klopp, he was included in every single matchday squad of the 2023-24 campaign, but now he finds his career in a state of stagnation.

A failed loan at Aston Villa leaves him to return to Anfield, where he’ll want to impress new manager Andoni Iraola — but the most likely outcome is a move away, either in this window or in six-to-12 months’ time. Yet, at 23, he still has so much more to give.

9

Jack Grealish (Man City)

On loan at Everton from Manchester City, Jack Grealish saw his form quickly resurface as he became the creative outlet for David Moyes‘ solid, resolute side. He had five goal contributions in his first six starts, though his output tailed off with just three across his next 11 league appearances.

Perhaps the return to regular starts was a shock to the system after two years of bit-part appearances under Pep Guardiola. The second half of his campaign was then wiped out by a foot injury, with his last appearance coming in January.

His long-term future rests with City, where new boss Enzo Maresca must decide in the summer whether Grealish figures in his plans or is sold for good — Everton hold a £50m option to buy. With his City deal expiring next year, this is the natural moment for a permanent switch.

8

Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

One of Liverpool’s best academy products of the past decade is also in a career quandary. Well-liked by both Klopp and Arne Slot, Curtis Jones has never nailed down a permanent midfield spot and has drawn transfer interest across the past six-to-12 months.

Serie A could be the destination, with Inter Milan hoping to land a bargain, but it will come down to Iraola’s preference. His technical gifts would certainly thrive in Italy if that move materialised but Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

7

Lisandro Martínez (Man Utd)

A key starter for club and country, Lisandro Martínez has been dogged by injuries since moving to Manchester United, with cruciate ligament and calf problems combining to limit him to fewer than 20 games in all competitions last season.

However, when he’s fit, he starts — and the 28-year-old proved at the World Cup that he should remain central for Michael Carrick next season. He faces a decision in the next 12 months: commit to United, or seek one final grand move.

6

Alisson (Liverpool)

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Alisson Becker has been one of the standout goalkeepers in world football since moving to Liverpool in 2018, and with over 300 games and several major trophies, he can look back on a sensational Merseyside career. How much longer that continues is unclear.

Reports of a move away have been circulating and, at 33, he has a decision to make. His fitness isn’t quite what it was — he missed 18 games across the Premier League and Champions League — and both club and player will need to settle on the next chapter, together.

5

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

via Reuters

The French striker has already flirted with an exit and, at 29, a big move is now-or-never. Despite an up-and-down campaign, he lifted the Europa Conference League and netted 12 league goals, following up his 14 from the year before.

Strong, direct and a real handful for defenders, Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a shrewd signing for a European side — the likeliest outcome, particularly in the wake of Oliver Glasner’s exit.

4

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

One of the young players Mikel Arteta has honed over his tenure, Gabriel Martinelli finds himself a backup in the current Arsenal setup, starting half their Champions League games and only 11 in their title-winning campaign.

At 25, he doesn’t look to be heading anywhere, and a new deal seems the likeliest outcome, even if Arsenal‘s left flank is an area to strengthen. With Leandro Trossard reported to be on his way out, the Brazilian will likely remain.

3

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

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Universally regarded as one of the finest defenders of the past eight or so years, Virgil van Dijk is in the final stretch of his career at the top level and must weigh his next steps. With Mohamed Salah having exited at the end of last season, his own thoughts will turn to the future — a move to a major club could still happen, even at 34.

He isn’t quite as imperious as he was, but there’s still time to forge another chapter in a Liverpool shirt, or elsewhere.

2

Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

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The Premier League’s record-breaking playmaker has been a true talisman for United across the past five years, but he too stands at a critical point. With the Red Devils back among Europe’s elite, he’ll be front and centre once again.

Now 31, from the outside looking in, he is good enough to join a side genuinely challenging for trophies — which United aren’t — but the bond he has built at Old Trafford makes a departure hard to see just yet. There still feels like unfinished business.

1

Rodri (Man City)

A former Ballon d’Or winner was always going to top this list, even if the form that won him the award may never fully return. Having suffered a major injury just after claiming the global prize, he has struggled to rediscover those heights.

With Maresca bringing in Elliot Anderson, Rodri will be afforded more rotation after a season disrupted by groin, knee and hamstring trouble. Now 30, his very best days may be behind him — but on his day, he remains good enough to decide the biggest games.

England’s long wait for World Cup glory has stretched for 60 years, but with another talented generation chasing football’s biggest prize, supporters are daring to dream once again. If the ‘Three Lions‘ were to go all the way and lift the trophy, celebrations would almost certainly sweep the country.

That raises a question many fans ask every time England enjoy a deep run at a major tournament: would the government declare a bank holiday?

Calls for an extra day off have followed previous successes in football, cricket and other major sporting events, but there is no automatic rule that a World Cup triumph would lead to one.

Will There Be a Bank Holiday if England Win the World Cup?

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While it is still unclear as to whether or not the Prime Minister would be willing to announce a day of national celebration, should England win the World Cup, Keir Starmer is yet to rule it out.

Speaking in July at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, the PM refused to be drawn into giving a concrete answer when asked about a potential day of mass celebrations, saying:

Starmer’s comments came after England’s thrilling 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16, which saw Jude Bellingham get his name on the scoresheet twice in two minutes, before Harry Kane’s 60th minute penalty secured a nervy win following Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half.

Speaking about the game, the PM hailed the victory as “one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen.”

There had already been calls for the Prime Minister to announce a World Cup-related bank holiday, after the Scottish parliament granted a one-off bank holiday following their early morning clash with Haiti in the group stage.

According to The Guardian, Starmer is expected to announce a bank holiday if England get their hands on the famous trophy. However, given that he will be handing over the keys to No.10 following his resignation from his post, it will likely be his expected successor, Andy Burnham, who would welcome Harry Kane and the boys home, if they go all the way.

When Could it Be?

Some fans have suggested that Monday 20th July, the day after the final, would be the most appropriate day for the public to stay home and celebrate. If that were to be the case, it would likely help to prevent the scenes observed in workplaces up and down the country following England’s thrilling victory over Mexico, which saw pubs given special permission to stay open until 5am following the delayed 2am kick-off time, and resulted in some sore heads stumbling into work just hours later.

The PM stepped in to ensure that the kick-off time against Mexico remained unchanged, after FIFA revealed plans to bring the game forward, with the game under threat due to a looming thunderstorm over the Azteca.

However, it is unlikely to be the Monday after the final as the 20th is expected to be Andy Burnham’s first day in office. Therefore, any celebrations are expected to be put on ice until later in the week to prevent a clash of schedules.

Instead, reports from GB News have suggested that Friday 24th July, one week after the final in New Jersey, has been earmarked as a potential date, which would coincide with the players’ homecoming and trophy parade.

Has it Happened Before?

Whilst many fans clamored for a bank holiday to celebrate the successes of the England Lionesses, after the women’s national team secured back-to-back European championships in 2022 and 2025, the UK has never been given a day of national celebration following sporting success, even after the ‘Three Lions’ lifted the Jules Rimet trophy back in 1966.

Instead, the Lionesses were welcomed back to the UK with a reception at Downing Street, having returned from Switzerland as Euro winners in 2025. Although, Starmer has previously hinted at a celebratory bank holiday, saying that their 2022 triumph should be “marked with a proper day of celebration.”

England’s Bank Holidays in 2026

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Only three bank holidays will remain if England fail to force another one by winning the World Cup. Britons will be able to soak up the last of the summer sun over the summer bank holiday on Monday 30th August, whilst the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays will be moved to Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December respectively, as the festive period falls on a weekend this year.