The world anticipated a soaring anthem, a musical call to arms for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead, the debut of “Desire,” performed by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, landed with a resounding thud, sparking immediate and widespread criticism from football fans.
The song, penned by Williams himself, features lyrics aiming for inspiration – “Aim high, fly by, destiny’s in front of you” – but many listeners found the result falling far short of the iconic anthems that have defined past tournaments. Comparisons to the electrifying energy of Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka” were overwhelmingly unfavorable.
Social media erupted with blunt assessments. One fan bluntly declared it “Hell NO!!!!” while another labeled it “one of the worst songs I’ve ever heard.” The pairing of Williams and Scherzinger also drew questioning looks, with some asking what common ground the two artists shared to create such a divisive track.
The negative reaction even overshadowed another moment from the World Cup draw ceremony: the awarding of a FIFA peace prize to a controversial figure. Many joked that enduring the song was a greater hardship than the political discussion surrounding the award.
Critics pointed to a lack of the driving rhythm that has characterized successful football anthems, citing classics like Pitbull’s “We Are One” and K’naan’s “Waving Flag” as examples of what was missing. The song was described as “boring” and lacking the necessary energy to ignite the passion of a global audience.
While the live performance triggered a wave of disapproval, the song initially received a more positive response upon its music video release months earlier, with some YouTube commenters calling it “stunning” and a “vibe.” This disparity only added to the confusion surrounding the anthem’s reception.
Williams recently discussed the creative process, explaining he focused on crafting the melody and lyrics, aiming to capture the feeling of the tournament. He claimed to have studied thousands of games to understand the emotional core of the World Cup experience, believing he had successfully translated that into “Desire.”
He also enthusiastically praised Scherzinger’s contribution, calling her “completely amazing” and “incredibly talented.” Despite his confidence, the public’s verdict has been clear: “Desire” has failed to capture the hearts of football fans worldwide.
Whether fans will embrace the song with repeated exposure remains to be seen. “Desire” is slated to play before each match, a constant reminder of a controversial choice that has already sparked a global debate.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, will undoubtedly deliver thrilling moments on the pitch. However, the soundtrack to those moments may continue to be a source of contention for many.
