Edits: Jasmin Sin

We are well into 2026, and somehow, sports have just been getting wilder and louder. This year has been filled with nothing short of legendary sporting moments, whether it be the Knicks win, the Winter Olympics, the World Cup, or the Super Bowl. Throughout these events, one thing has stood out: the intersection between sports and music. 

From the Men’s World Cup, which brought together fans from around the world and ignited a sense of global unity, to the unforgettable skating of Alysa Liu, which triggered the making of a Gen Z icon, music has arguably become one of the most powerful forces in sports history.

CHANTS & SHOWS: THE MUSIC OF THE WORLD CUP

This summer, the world came together for the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup. While many were united by the game, many more were united by the music. Over the years, the role of music in football has grown — and now, it would be impossible to attend any football match and avoid it.

One of the most memorable music moments of the tournament was the first-ever World Cup halftime show. As Spanish and Argentinian players left, dancers and singers flocked to the pitch, performing on a rainbow globe tarp sheet. 

The show was undoubtedly a controversial decision which extended halftime from 15 to nearly 30 minutes, and netizens argued that this decision was part of the ‘Americanisation’ of football, making it resemble the Super Bowl. 

However, despite the controversies, the performance brought together huge performers such as Shakira, Burna Boy, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber, unifying football supporters around the world.

But… Whilst we can appreciate this grand performance, we think that it is the football fans, with their often out-of-tune and sometimes crude singing, who truly use the power of music to unite.  

It is no surprise that music is so integral to football; music is a key way to unite nations by prompting passion and patriotism.

Fans alter famous melodies into chants and sing in unison to show their support for their teams. FIFA caught on, and now there have been official World Cup songs since the 1990s. Whilst there have been many notable football music moments over the years, the 2026 World Cup arguably took this to a new level. 

This summer, English bangers were played on repeat and belted by supporters in the pubs and the streets. “Three Lions” (by Baddiel, Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds) was revived yet again as supporters of the English team hoped that this time it was coming home.

And as England progressed throughout the tournament, their passion only grew. Oasis’ “Wonderwall” was made England’s unofficial anthem, and after each match thousands of England supporters would sing the song whilst the team celebrated their victory on the pitch. 

Live broadcasts of the match showed thousands of English supporters singing “Hey Jude” (the Beatles) to midfielder Jude Bellingham — a new tradition that was strong enough to bring the nation’s beloved player close to tears. 

For an England fan, perhaps the most painful part of the tournament was not the loss but the reality that they would have to retire their football songs until the Women’s 2027 World Cup. 

LIU’S COMEBACK: THE MAGIC OF MUSIC ON ICE

On the ice, the Milan Winter Olympics had a hold over viewers worldwide. But it was US figure skater Alysa Liu whose reach extended beyond sporting enthusiasts and caught the attention of Gen Z netizens.

Liu grew up skating intensively but retired in 2022 due to stress and built-up resentment. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Liu claimed that she had even grown to “hate” the sport. But in 2024, she returned with a new outlook. 

“If I didn’t hit rock bottom so many times, I could not have gone up,” Liu says in her interview with Rolling Stone. 

Her story of determination and passion stood out to many, and her new perspective on skating was reflected in her performances.

Music influences their movements and gives the performance meaning. 

Figure skating is one of the few sports that relies heavily on music. Figure skaters pick a song to shape their performance, and the music incites the emotions of both the performer and the audience. 

Yet, for the longest time, Olympic figure skaters were limited in their songs of choice. In fact, until 2014, skaters were not even allowed to choose songs with lyrics. 

Liu’s music selection for her Olympic performance was fresh and exciting, a reflection of her newfound passion for figure skating. For her ‘Short Program,’ Liu skated to Laufey’s “Promise,” curating a deeply emotional performance that resonated with her judges and growing Gen Z fanbase. 

Her gold-winning ‘Free Skate’ performance was to Donna Summer’s rendition of “MacArthur Park.” Donna Summer was the ‘Queen of Disco,’ a musical genre characterised by fun and freedom. So, it is no surprise that Liu chose such a song to represent herself on the world stage. From the music to the movement, Liu was unapologetically herself.

After winning her gold medal and going viral online, Liu performed at the Olympic Exhibition Gala, skating to PinkPantheress’ “Stateside (feat. Zara Larsson)” and even wore a dress said to be inspired by PinkPantheress’ music video outfit. 

Liu’s performance showed her authenticity and love for the sport. PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson have been two of the most influential artists of the year, and no one (especially Gen Z) could get enough of “Stateside.” The song was perfect for Liu, whose Olympic journey was all about her newfound freedom and joy of skating. 

Of course, the performance went viral and was even recognised by PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson. But Liu’s relationship with music didn’t stop there. This April, Liu had a full-circle moment when she appeared in Laufey’s music video for her new song “MadWoman.” Yet again, showing how carefree Liu’s life has become since she decentered competition and focused on creating art.

On August 26, Liu announced on Instagram that she was taking a break from competition and focusing on challenging herself in “new ways,” so her “artistry and skating can evolve.” 

Though we are sad to miss her this season, we can’t wait to see how Liu will continue to weave music into her craft in the future.