FIFA World Cup 26: Toronto producer captures city’s diversity in FIFA 2026 theme song

As Toronto gears up to be one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city now has its own unique musical identity to accompany the historic event. FIFA has officially released a new theme song for Toronto’s matches, a track designed to embody the city’s vibrant and diverse culture.

The song, titled The Sound of Toronto Sonic ID, was created by JUNO Award-winning Toronto-based songwriter and producer Hill Kourkoutis. Unveiled on social media, the track was released alongside a visually striking video showcasing some of Toronto’s most iconic locations and diverse neighborhoods. From bustling streets to cultural hubs, the video captures the energy and multicultural essence that make Toronto unique.

Kourkoutis, a seasoned artist who has been immersed in Toronto’s music scene since the age of 13, carefully crafted the instrumental piece to reflect the city’s dynamic soundscape. She drew inspiration from Toronto’s rich musical heritage, blending elements from multiple genres, including rap, rock, jazz, and world music. Her goal was to create a composition that not only resonates with the city’s diverse population but also celebrates its deep-rooted passion for soccer.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kourkoutis expressed her excitement about contributing to this groundbreaking musical initiative.

“I’m even more excited that my hometown, the city of Toronto, is one of the 16 host cities for the matches,” she said. “It has been an immense honor to be the producer capturing the sound of Toronto. I wanted this track to be a celebration of our multiculturalism and our diversity—I really wanted to capture the beautiful spirit of our city. We are a city of avid soccer fans, and we quite literally have the world living within our fine city.”

The creation of The Sound of Toronto Sonic ID is part of a larger FIFA project aimed at giving each of the 16 host cities a unique musical identity. Producers from cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico were tasked with reimagining the official FIFA World Cup 2026 theme, incorporating their city’s signature sounds and cultural elements. The result is a collection of distinctive Sonic IDs, each representing the spirit and energy of its respective city.

FIFA emphasized the significance of music in the World Cup experience, stating that this initiative will elevate the tournament’s musical presence to new heights.

“Music has become an integral part of the FIFA World Cup, and for the 2026 edition, it will reach an entirely new level,” FIFA said in a news release regarding the project. “For the biggest football tournament in history—featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across three host nations—FIFA is introducing a groundbreaking initiative that celebrates diversity, creativity, and the unifying power of sport through music.”

Toronto is set to host six matches during the tournament, with Canada’s national team kicking off the city’s first match on June 12 at the newly upgraded BMO Field. As the city prepares to welcome fans from around the globe, The Sound of Toronto Sonic ID will serve as a powerful anthem that encapsulates the passion, energy, and cultural richness of the community.

For fans eager to experience the track, The Sound of Toronto Sonic ID is now available on all major streaming platforms, offering a sonic journey through the heart of one of the world’s most diverse cities. With this track, Toronto’s unique musical identity will echo through stadiums, uniting fans and celebrating the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.

Reno Silva/MS