BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 11. Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna features on an official FIFA World Cup song, marking another major milestone in the singer’s fast-rising international career TurkicWorld reports via arabnews.
The 24-year-old is on “Illuminate,” one of the official songs for the FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack, alongside Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez.
Blending alternative R&B, Arabic melodies and global pop influences, “Illuminate” centers on themes of identity, unity and resilience. Produced by Grammy-winning producer Cirkut, the track combines Reyez’s soulful vocals with Elyanna’s signature Arabic sound and Latin influences.
FIFA has described the song as a celebration of music’s ability to connect cultures through sport, while Elyanna’s participation also positions her as one of the few Arab artists to feature prominently on an official World Cup soundtrack.
“Rooting for all the MENA region. Making us proud! See you at the opening ceremony,” Elyanna posted on social media this week. She is scheduled to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Toronto, Canada, on June 12.
The World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies across the host nations, starting in Mexico City on June 11, followed by Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12.
Elyanna has become known for breaking barriers for Arabic-language music on the global stage. She first gained worldwide attention in 2023 when she became the first artist to perform a full set in Arabic at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. She later became the first artist to sing in Arabic on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and collaborated with Coldplay on the single “We Pray,” before she joined the British band for a worldwide tour last year.
“Illuminate” forms part of FIFA’s wider musical rollout ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which takes place across the US, Mexico and Canada. Other official songs released this year include “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy, marking Shakira’s return to World Cup music following the success of “Waka Waka” in 2010. Additional tracks include “Lighter” by Jelly Roll and Carin Leon, “Por Ella” by Belinda and Los Angeles Azules, and “Echo” by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea.
