World Cup 2026: Why are England playing a darts song when they score?

The Proclaimers, AC/DC, Daft Punk and Lynard Skynard all have something in common this summer – and it’s because of the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

All four are among the artists whose songs have been selected by national teams to be played after every goal scored as their dedicated goal song.

England supporters, particularly those with a soft spot for darts, had the privilege of listening to Planet Funk’s ‘Chase the Sun’ four times on Wednesday night during England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match.

That was because the song, played regularly during major darts events such as the World Darts Championships and Premier League Darts, was chosen by the Football Association as England’s dedicated goal song to be played following every goal they score during the tournament.

It was quickly adopted by England fans both in Dallas and back home. Sections of the crowd could be heard singing along during parts of the game, even when it was not being played.

Scotland opted for I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers. Other choices have included AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ by Australia, Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ by France, while co-hosts the United States opted for a remixed version of ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Fans of Germany and Curacao had the dubious honour of hearing ‘Major Tom‘ by Peter Schilling – song inspired by David Bowie – seven times during Germany’s thrashing of the debutants.

Goal songs are becoming increasingly popular across the world of football. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are example of clubs who currently use them.

During the first full round of group stage fixtures, 40 of the 48 nations scored at least one goal, meaning all sides have had their dedicated goal song played at least once.