Coca-Cola has released its official anthem for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, reviving the classic 1980s hit “Jump” by Van Halen with a modern twist. The new version, titled “JUMP,” features global music stars J Balvin and Amber Mark, alongside legendary guitarist Steve Vai and drummer Travis Barker. This track aims to capture the vibrant energy and emotional highs of football fans worldwide as the tournament takes place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The updated anthem preserves the iconic synth and guitar sounds that made the original song a cultural landmark while adding a fresh, stadium-ready feel. Released through Coca-Cola’s global music label, Real Thing Records, in partnership with Capitol Records, “JUMP” was first teased earlier this year in the company’s “Bubbling Up” campaign. Alongside the song’s debut, an animated music video premiered on MTV Live, MTVU, and digital billboards in Times Square, featuring stylized versions of the performers and a special appearance by young football star Lamine Yamal.
J Balvin emphasized how music connects people from different backgrounds through shared passion. He described “JUMP” as an anthem that embodies the moment when emotions soar during football matches. Amber Mark highlighted the respect paid to Van Halen’s original recording while bringing a modern interpretation to the track. Coca-Cola’s global music marketing head Joshua Burke said the song reflects the full spectrum of feelings experienced by fans during football’s biggest event – from joy to heartbreak and hope.
This latest anthem continues Coca-Cola’s long history of producing memorable World Cup songs that unite fans around the world. Previous official tracks include K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag” (2010), David Correy’s “The World Is Ours” (2014), Jason Derulo’s “Colors” (2018), and a reimagined version of Queen’s “A Kind of Magic” in 2022. Coca-Cola has been an official FIFA World Cup partner since 1978, making it one of the tournament’s longest-standing sponsors.
In related football music news, a $27 million lawsuit filed by Calvin McMillan over alleged copyright and antitrust violations involving Green Bay Packers-themed songs was dismissed by a federal judge in Wisconsin. McMillan claimed ownership of compositions such as “Pack Attack” and “Go Pack Go,” which he said were used without his permission in lottery advertising featuring Packers branding. However, U.S. District Judge Byron B. Conway ruled that exclusive licensing agreements made by the NFL and state lottery officials were lawful and not anticompetitive.
The judge noted that phrases like “Go Pack Go” are too short or generic to be protected by copyright law, and found no evidence supporting McMillan’s claims of ownership or registration. The ruling affirms that sports organizations can control licensing rights to their intellectual property without violating antitrust laws. This decision highlights ongoing legal complexities around music rights tied to football culture and branding.
Together, these developments underscore how deeply intertwined music is with football culture, from official World Cup anthems designed to energize global audiences to local team songs that inspire fan loyalty. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, fans can expect to hear powerful new sounds celebrating the spirit of the game while legal clarity continues to shape how football-related music is created and shared.
