Oasis’ song Wonderwall becomes an anthem of unity for the England team at the World Cup By Beatriz
3 min read
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The iconic song “Wonderwall”, by the band Oasis, has become a true anthem for the England team in the 2026 World Cup. After each team triumph during the tournament, the song echoes in the stadiums, sung in chorus by players and fans. This new tradition has won over football admirers and fans of the brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher globally.
Released in 1995, the track reached the top of the charts, achieving nine platinum records in the UK and receiving two Grammy nominations. The romantic composition, according to Noel Gallagher, portrays a “savior” an “imaginary friend who protects you from yourself”.
“Wonderwall’s” connection to English football has its roots in Manchester City, a club of which the Gallagher brothers are ardent fans. For many years, the song has been the soundtrack to the celebrations of players and team fans in the locker rooms. This practice, started by the Citizens, expanded, inspiring fans from other British clubs to adopt the song in their own victories.
A decisive moment in the connection between music and sport took place in the 2022/23 season, when Manchester City achieved the unprecedented treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles. During City’s journey towards the Champions League final in May 2023, Liam Gallagher even promised Oasis’ return if the team won the tournament.
The promise was kept, resulting in a historic 41-show tour across 14 countries in 2025. The Gallagher brothers reconciled after a 16-year hiatus, marked by intense differences between Liam and Noel.
In 2019, another landmark event occurred when Noel Gallagher visited the Manchester City dressing room to celebrate their Premier League victory, treating the players to a live performance.
The Oasis song and its rise as England’s World Cup anthem
The popularity of “Wonderwall” with the English team in the World Cup began in the first match of Group L, against Croatia. At AT&T Stadium, in Dallas, the event’s DJ played the Oasis track over the speakers, and the idea was immediately embraced by the fans, who started an enthusiastic chorus, followed by the players on the field.
“That was one of my favorite moments wearing the England shirt at a major tournament,” said Harry Kane after the game. “I know it was just the first match and we can’t get too excited, but the emotional connection with the fans, we understand what it means to them. We are connected to them, and in that moment, singing Wonderwall in the stadium, everyone knew it was something very special.”
Following England’s victory against Mexico, music streaming platforms recorded a staggering 306% increase in the number of listeners for “Wonderwall.”
Liam Gallagher, always active on platform X (formerly Twitter), took advantage of England’s World Cup victories to speak out publicly on several occasions.
“Singing all that is a lot of work, Harry Kane! Come on, England, let’s go Wonderwall”, the singer published in one of his posts.
Next challenges for the English team in the dispute for the World Cup trophy
England are looking for a title they haven’t won since 1966, their only World Cup victory, being just two matches away from the cup. The team will take the field on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, facing current champions Argentina, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta. The winner will guarantee a place in the tournament final, scheduled for next Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 4 pm (Brasília time), at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey.
