Lil Baby releases newest FIFA World Cup 2022 song, sampling Tears for Fears in 'The World Is Yours to Take'

David Suggs

Lil Baby releases newest FIFA World Cup 2022 song, sampling Tears for Fears in 'The World Is Yours to Take' image

In addition to glorious goals, stunning saves and reckless challenges, the World Cup also brings with it a certain rhythm.

Whether it's vuvuzelas buzzing in the South African breeze or the dulcet sounds of Bossa Nova swirling across neighborhoods in Rio, the beautiful game tends to be backed by its own beautiful soundtrack during World Cup season.

This year is no exception. Atlanta-based rapper Lil Baby, who has climbed the charts with such bangers as "Yes Indeed", "Drip Too Hard" and "We Paid", was enlisted to add his name to Qatar 2022's official soundtrack.

MORE: Complete World Cup 2022 match schedule, dates and times

He took a trip to the past to do so, sampling Tears for Fears 1980's classic "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" in his latest release, "The World is Yours to Take" (watch and listen to the single, or check out the complete updated FIFA World Cup soundtrack).

The 4PF rapper also announced that he will be performing in Qatar this winter as a part of the World Cup festivities.

Here's what you need to know about Baby, his career and the history of World Cup songs.

Who is Lil Baby?

Lil Baby is an Atlanta-based rapper who has gained popularity over the past few years. With a melodic voice and unique vocal inflections, Baby — a student of Atlanta rap icon Young Thug — has become one of the most prominent rappers in the U.S., collaborating with Drake, Gunna and Kanye West, among others.

The Grammy winner was tapped to be one of the lead contributors to the 2022 World Cup soundtrack. On Thursday, he released a snippet of his latest tune, "The World is Yours to Take." The track features a "Tears for Fears" sample, as well as Baby rocking a Budweiser chain. Because capitalism!

History of World Cup anthems

World Cup songs and anthems aren't a new idea. It's been a part of the World Cup aura since the 1960s. That iteration of the competition, held in Chile, was soundtracked by "El Rock del Mundial" by Los Ramblers, a tune crafted in an effort to raise interest in the tournament.

Since then, numerous artists have had their songs used during the World Cup.

Daryl Hall was behind the USA 1994 anthem, Ricky Martin lent his vocal chops for France 1998's "La Copa de La Vida", K'Naan's refugee-inspired track "Wavin' Flag" was remixed for South Africa 2010, as was Shakira's thumping tune "Waka Waka."

For 2022, FIFA is assembling an entire soundtrack with two other singles previously released and more to follow Lil Baby.

MORE: How hot will it be in Qatar for the World Cup?

List of past World Cup anthems

Year Country Song Artist
1962 Chile El Rock del Mundial Los Ramblers
1966 England World Cup Willie Lonnie Donegan
1970 Mexico Futbol Mexico 70 Los Hermanos Zavala
1974 W. Germany Futbol Maryla Rodowicz
1978 Argentina El Mundial Buenos Aires Municipal Symphony
1982 Spain Mundial '82 Placido Domingo
1986 Mexico El mundo unido por un balón Juan Carlos Abara
1990 Italy

Un'estate italiana

Edoardo Bennato, Gianna Nannini
1994 USA Gloryland Daryl Hall, Sounds of Blackness
1998 France La Cour des Grands (Do You Mind If I Play)

La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)
Youssou N'Dour, Axelle Red

Ricky Martin
2002 S. Korea / Japan Anthem

Boom
Vangelis

Anastacia
2006 Germany Zeit dass sich was dreht (Celebrate the Day)

The Time of Our Lives
Herbert Gronenmeyer feat. Amadou & Mariam

Il Divo feat. Toni Braxton
2010 South Africa Sign of a Victory

Wavin' Flag

Waka Waka
R. Kelly feat. the Soweto Spiritual Singers

K'Naan

Shakira feat. Freshlyground
2014 Brazil Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way

We Are One (Ole Ola)
Carlos Santana feat. Wyclef Jean, Avicii and Alexandre Pires

Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte)
2018 Russia Live It Up Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith and Era Istrefi

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.