Atlanta releases Sonic ID for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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The sound of Atlanta hip-hop will be heard by soccer fans around the world leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Why it matters: It's been 30 years since Outkast's André 3000 told the music industry the South "got something to say," and the tune crafted by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Dallas Austin proves the Atlanta sound still influences everything.
Driving the news: Atlanta released a nearly two-minute hype song — dubbed by FIFA as a Sonic ID — on Thursday that's available to stream on several platforms.
- Each of the host cities was tasked with remixing FIFA's official theme for the 2026 World Cup to create its own unique sound.
How it sounds: FIFA's original song is heavy on European house and electronic dance rhythms, but Austin's remix overlays that with Atlanta's signature drum line and hip-hop sound.
- It will be shared by the city on social media, by the Host Committee, during "key moments" leading up to next year's final match and on occasion by Atlanta United, said Emilie Leveille, senior communications and media relations specialist for AMB Sports and Entertainment.
What they're saying: Austin said he wanted the track to feature a drum line,
elements of hip-hop and pop music and "that spirit and the culture of Atlanta."
- He said it took months for him to find the perfect beat and sound that represents Atlanta.
- "I just wanted to make it something that was incredible and felt like us," he said during Thursday's press conference unveiling the track.
- Mayor Andre Dickens said he loved the song "right off the bat."
- "I heard all the elements the first time, and I was ... sold the minute I heard it," he said. "It was really something that celebrated Atlanta culture."
What's next: Atlanta will host eight matches, including group matches on June 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- The city will also host a knockout round on July 1, a Round of 16 match on July 7 and a July 15 semifinal.
- The 2026 World Cup marks the first time in more than 20 years that the tournament will be played in more than one country.