An explanation has now emerged for England’s decision to use a darts’ anthem as their goal music at the 2026 World Cup . The Three Lions confirming their song choice for the rest of the tournament after Harry Kane’s first-half penalty against Croatia on Wednesday night.
That strike set the tone in Dallas, Arlington, Texas, where England delivered a statement 4-2 win - Kane adding a second, before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also got on the scoresheet as Croatia were put to the sword. It was their first victory over a nation ranked inside FIFA’s top 15 at a major tournament since 2002.
And if the football itself wasn’t enough to lift the spirits, the soundtrack to each strike certainly was. 'Chase the Sun' by Planet Funk rang out over the stadium speakers and was belted out by 15,000 travelling England fans, turning it into a party atmosphere.
The greatest players that England has produced down the years - ranked in order.
Why England Chose Darts' Anthem For World Cup Goal Music
The electronic dance anthem is synonymous with darts and a staple of the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Its inclusion at the 2026 World Cup marks a change for England from Qatar, where 'Freed From Desire' by Gala was used - another track widely popular with supporters.
According to the BBC , the song was chosen because it is played regularly at major darts events as aforementioned, with the Football Association selecting it as England’s dedicated goal music for the tournament, as FIFA rules allow countries to choose their own soundtracks this summer.
It was quickly embraced by England fans both in Dallas and back home. Sections of the crowd could be heard singing along during parts of the match, even when it wasn’t being played. The decision already appears vindicated, capturing England’s crossover love of football and darts. To add to the timing, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries had just won the World Cup of Darts ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s side’s opener, defeating the Netherlands 10-5 in sets on June 14.
It was success for England as they defeated Netherlands in the final, meaning Luke Littler and Luke Humphries split a tasty prize pot.
Goal Music Other Countries Have Picked
Scotland opted for 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' by The Proclaimers, which could be heard following John McGinn's winner in a 1-0 victory over Haiti. 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 - a song inspired by David Bowie - seven times during Germany’s thrashing of the debutants. 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.
Transfer News & Rumours
Transfer News & Rumours