Classical music at the World Cup
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Live Klassisk2 min read|30. July 2026
Classical music found its way to the World Cup
Did you catch the classical music that turned up during the World Cup? In the final at MetLife Stadium, an energetic Gustavo Dudamel conducted the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Orchestra through a version of “Seven Nation Army” – the riff that stadiums around the world have been singing for twenty years. This time with full symphonic drive and the Muppets' house band in tow. The White Stripes song is said to be inspired by the main theme of Bruckner's Symphony No. 5, and the connection became even clearer in the orchestral version in the half-time show – just before they moved into a tribute to the Norwegian supporters' rowing chant.
In the stands, Norwegian fans found their own twist. Besides the rowing chant, they sang and danced to Edvard Grieg, including Norwegian Dance No. 2 – the melody many know from Norge Rundt. A small but telling example of how closely classical music and a popular festival can lie together, even in the middle of a football celebration on the other side of the Atlantic.
And by the way: Brazil's national anthem, composed by Francisco Manoel da Silva, has often been described as a classical Italian opera overture – and this summer it was joined by a real football drama when Norway beat Brazil. Are Kalvø and Helge Førde wrote an opera in 2010 about the Norway–Brazil match at the 1998 World Cup. One wonders what artistic imprints we can expect after this summer's classical football event?
📸 James Lang (Reuters / NTB)