Oasis's 1995 hit "Wonderwall" has become the surprise anthem for the England men's football team during the FIFA World Cup 2026, sung by both players and fans after each victory. This new tradition began after England's initial win against Croatia in Dallas, with players like Harry Kane calling the singalongs among his "favourite ever moments in an England shirt." The song has since been belted out following subsequent wins, including against DR Congo, solidifying its place alongside more traditional English football anthems like "Three Lions" and "Sweet Caroline." Both Noel and Liam Gallagher, the original Oasis band members, have praised the embrace of their song, with Noel stating, "Wonderwall belongs to the people," and Liam expressing his excitement on social media.
The unexpected adoption of "Wonderwall" has led to a significant resurgence in the song's popularity. It re-entered the UK top 40 singles chart and has seen a 50% spike in listening on Spotify in the UK. This renewed interest comes on the heels of Oasis's reunion tour in 2025, further boosting the track's visibility. The song's blend of euphoria and melancholy is cited as a perfect fit for the emotional rollercoaster of football, resonating with the highs of victory and the underlying tension of a 60-year wait for a World Cup title.
FIFA required each national team to submit three songs for post-match celebrations; England included "Wonderwall" alongside "Sweet Caroline" and potentially "Hey, Jude." The choice of "Wonderwall" might also be a way to avoid duplicating songs with other teams, as the U.S. also submitted "Sweet Caroline." The song's connection to Manchester, Oasis's hometown, and its universal appeal have contributed to its success as a spontaneous, unifying moment for both the team and its supporters, embodying a shared emotional connection during the tournament.
