We are just over a year away from the FIFA World Cup—set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—and with it comes an exciting new musical project. Introducing Sonic ID, a unique initiative where Toy Selectah and the Mexican Sound Institute (IMS) join forces to create special versions of the official 2026 World Cup theme. This project aims to showcase the cultural diversity of the host cities through music.
Official Theme vs. Official Song
As the World Cup draws near, discussions about official songs and themes abound. FIFA has already released the official theme for the 2026 World Cup. While official songs are typically titled pieces performed by popular artists (think Ricky Martin’s “The Cup of Life” or Shakira’s “Waka Waka”), official themes are instrumental tracks heard at the start of match broadcasts, often accompanied by animated visuals. Below is the official theme for the 2026 World Cup.
What Is the Sonic ID?
For this edition, FIFA has added a special twist: the official theme will be reimagined into 16 different versions—each corresponding to one of the host cities. This project, dubbed Sonic ID, highlights the rich cultural tapestry of the host regions by involving local producers.
Mexican Sonic IDs
Since Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara will be hosting matches, each city will have its own Sonic ID:
- In Mexico City, the Mexican Sound Institute, represented by Camilo Lara, will craft a version that embodies the spirit of the capital.
- In Monterrey, renowned producer Toy Selectah will create a distinctive take.
- In Guadalajara, local producer Bautista is at the helm; his Sonic ID, inspired by Guadalajara’s vibrant mariachi traditions, has already made its debut on social media.
For instance, check out this tweet from FIFA World Cup 26 Guadalajara:
“We are making history in the #FIFAWorldCup! For the first time, each host city will have its own Sonic ID. We join with the local producer Bautista, to mix the soul of Guadalajara with the World Cup emotion. You will soon hear how our city will sound in 2026!” – @Gdl2026
Other Producers Joining the Sonic ID Project
The IMS, Toy Selectah, and Bautista are just the beginning. FIFA has also enlisted the talents of renowned producers from other cities, including:
- Dan The Automator representing the San Francisco Bay Area
- Dallas Austin (an Atlanta-based producer)
- Tech N9ne from Kansas City
- DJ Jazzy Jeff from Philadelphia
Release Schedule: Sonic ID by City
The project features 16 tracks, each dropping on a specific day, as follows:
- Saturday, March 1: Bombon (Houston)
- Sunday, March 2: Dan The Automator (San Francisco Bay)
- Monday, March 3: Mr. Naisgai (Miami)
- Tuesday, March 4: Take a Daytrip (New York/New Jersey)
- Wednesday, March 5: Sango (Seattle)
- Thursday, March 6: Dallas Austin (Atlanta)
- Friday, March 7: Mexican Sound Institute (Mexico City)
- Saturday, March 8: Hill Kourkoutis (Toronto)
- Sunday, March 9: Ben Zakhanko and Dayvin, Berklee College of Music (Boston)
- Monday, March 10: Grayson REPP (Vancouver)
- Tuesday, March 11: Tech N9ne (Kansas City)
- Wednesday, March 12: Toy Selectah (Monterrey)
- Thursday, March 13: DJ Jazzy Jeff (Philadelphia)
- Friday, March 14: DJ FLICT (Los Angeles)
- Saturday, March 15: Bautista (Guadalajara)
- Sunday, March 16: Tre Nagella (Dallas)
This robust lineup of producers not only underscores the creative vision behind Sonic ID but also celebrates the distinct musical flavors of each host city. With every track, the project offers a sonic snapshot that reflects the local culture and the universal excitement of the World Cup.