Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna has officially joined the FIFA World Cup 2026 playlist with the recent release of “Illuminate”. A collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez, the song brings the gravitas and hype that we’ve come to expect of the FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtracks, along with a distinct pop melody.
Making history as the first Palestinian artist to be featured on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Album, “Illuminate” is the fourth single to be released, joining “Lighter” by Jelly Roll and Carin León, “Por Ella” by Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda, and “Echo” by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea. While the release date for the official album hasn’t been announced yet, the current releases are setting the stage for a fun, diverse album to define this season’s tournament.
“Illuminate” itself comes with plenty of nuances. The track showcases a harmonious blend of genres, vocal colours, and cultural influences. Elyanna’s verses in particular do not stray away from Arabic lyrics and her Middle Eastern heritage. The music video includes the same, with her signature henna featuring footballs and other cultural motifs, intercut with archival World Cup footage. It’s a celebration of community and connection, the way sports and music naturally do.
The track is produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer Cirkut and is co-written by Elyanna alongside her mother Abeer Sbiat Marjieh, brother Feras Margieh and Lebanese-Canadian artist and producer Massari. The team shows that Elyanna isn’t alone in her representation, but Arab voices in general are gaining a greater influence within the World Cup sound. While Elyanna is taking that influence onto the world stage.
The tournament will be its most expansive one yet, taking place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with three opening ceremonies. The single by Elyanna and Jessie Reyez serves as a teaser of what’s to expect at the Canadian ceremony, which will take place on June 12, 2026.
