JULY 19 — As the Fifa World Cup 2026 captivates audiences across continents, attention extends beyond the action on the pitch to the cultural elements that define the tournament. Among these, the official song stands as a powerful symbol of football’s ability to transcend borders, cultures, and languages.

In an increasingly interconnected world, language inclusivity has become an important aspect of global communication. It involves recognising and respecting linguistic diversity while ensuring that people from different backgrounds feel represented and valued. For an event as internationally significant as the Fifa World Cup, language inclusivity is not merely a cultural consideration but a reflection of the tournament’s universal appeal.

Listen carefully to the chorus of the Fifa World Cup 2026 song and you'll hear something unusual. Instead of relying on a single language, it moves effortlessly from Italian to Japanese, Spanish, French and English. It is a small creative choice, but one that carries a larger message.

The official song, “Dai Dai”, performed by Shakira and Burna Boy, reflects this principle through its multilingual chant: “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Each expression carries the same spirit of encouragement and motivation. “Dai” is Italian, “ikou” is Japanese, “dale” is Spanish, “allez” is French, and “let’s go” is English. Although expressed in different languages, the phrases convey a shared message of energy, enthusiasm, and support. Their inclusion highlights how football can unite people beyond language barriers, allowing fans from diverse backgrounds to connect through a common passion for the game.

This approach reflects the essence of football itself. The sport is followed by millions of people worldwide, each bringing unique cultural and linguistic identities to the global football community. By incorporating multiple languages into a single song, the production acknowledges this diversity while reinforcing a sense of collective belonging. It sends a clear message that the World Cup belongs not only to participating nations but also to supporters across the world.

For many fans, hearing familiar words within a global song creates a deeper emotional connection to the event. It shows that linguistic diversity can be a source of strength rather than division. Even supporters from countries that are not participating in the tournament, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and India, can feel part of the global celebration as they cheer for their favourite teams and share in the excitement of the competition. Through inclusive language, the song encourages mutual respect and cultural appreciation, values that are increasingly important in today’s global society.

The significance of this message extends beyond football. In a world often marked by differences, the Fifa World Cup song serves as a reminder that diversity and unity are not opposing ideals. Instead, they can coexist harmoniously when individuals are brought together by a shared passion and common purpose.

Ultimately, the Fifa World Cup 2026 song shows how music can bridge cultures and strengthen global solidarity. While languages may differ, the excitement, hope, and sense of belonging inspired by football remain universal. In this way, the song expresses the true spirit of the World Cup: one game, countless voices, and a world united through sport.

* The author is a language lecturer at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, Universiti Malaya.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.