Will Smith to Perform Official Anthem for 2018 FIFA World Cup

Will Smith will join Nicky Jam and Kosovo singer Era Istrefi to perform the official song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, according to multiple reports. The track is being produced by Diplo.

While multiple songs are associated with the World Cup, only the official anthem will be performed at the finale of the World Cup, which will take place from June 14 to July 15 before an estimated 2 billion people worldwide. Past anthems include Shakira’s “Waka Waka” and Ricky Martin’s “The Cup of Life.”


According to an interview with Nicky Jam manager Juan Diego Medina that aired on W Radio, Nicky Jam and Smith were in Budapest putting final touches to the song, which is slated to be released Friday, May 25.

Separately, Vibe reported that, according to reggaeton producer DJ Nelson, Smith and Nicky Jam were working on the song. Vibe also reported that Istrefi would participate, per other published reports.

Billboard.com also saw some early signs that a collaboration might be afoot:
Before news of the World Cup song leaked out, Smith and Nicky Jam were already talking about each other on social media. Back in March, Nicky Jam sat with Billboard and did some karaoke in honor of Smith, who the previous week had posted a video singing “X,” the hit by Nicky Jam and J Balvin. Nicky Jam also told Billboard that when he called Smith to thank him for the plug, Smith asked him to remix Jaden Smith’s song “Icon.”