By Tabitha Kongo
South African global pop star Tyla and American rap icon Future have announced their new collaboration, ‘Game Time,’ as part of the official music album for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Cirkut, ‘Game Time’ blends hip-hop and Afrobeat, capturing the anticipation and excitement of the football tournament.
The track was released just weeks before the tournament opener in Mexico. The remaining matches will be across the United States and Canada.
Amapiano/afrobeats meets hip hop
‘Game Time’ brings together two distinct artists with different musical styles.
Tyla, whose sudden popularity and success have made her one of South Africa’s prominent global music exports, is set to represent South Africa.
The singer gained international recognition and a career breakthrough with her hit song ‘Water’ in 2023.
She has won multiple international awards, including Best New Artist, Best African Music Performer and two Grammy Awards.
On Thursday, June 11, Tyla and Future are set to perform ‘Game Time’ before the opening World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
She will also perform alongside Future in Los Angeles on Friday, 12 June 2026.
This is a proud moment for Tyla’s career and South Africa as a nation to have one of their youngest artists taking the global stage in a big tournament.
FIFA reported how Future and Tyla expressed their emotions about their song being featured in the tournament.
Future expressed how the World Cup is a global stage, saying, “We made a record to match that energy. Now you know it’s ‘Game Time.'”
On the other hand, Tyla described her involvement in the project as a major milestone in her career.
“Being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album feels like a full-circle moment for a girl from South Africa. Let’s go Bafana Bafana!!”
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Football meets music
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only increasing in size with 48 teams but also in its entertainment and showbiz.
The opening ceremonies are expected to include performances from multiple global artists from different countries with different music genres.
Shakira and Burna Boy’s song ‘Dai Dai’ has been chosen as the FIFA 2026 anthem.
But alongside Tyla and Future, FIFA has released the lineup featuring major international stars such as Lisa, Anita and Rema, who are set to perform ‘Goals,’ and Katy Perry.
This shows how FIFA is maintaining a diverse culture because sports are about nation-building and unity.
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