EA Sports FC is widely celebrated as having one of the best soundtracks in the world of video games.
This year, the franchise, formerly known as FIFA, was especially intentional in taking a global approach to the music that backs gameplay. The 2027 edition of the game was officially released on Friday, Sept. 25.
The official FC 27 soundtrack is made up of 120 songs from artists representing 36 countries around the world. Fans can listen to most of it viaa Spotify playlistthat is made up of 107 songs with a run time of 5 hours and 42 minutes. There is a variety of genres, including rock, rap and pop. The artists represent countries around the world with one nation standing out for its range.
“Over the past 20 years, the EA Sports FC Soundtrack has
become an international institution,” Steve Schnur, Worldwide President of Music & Marketing for EA Games said in a statement. “The world’s game is annually enhanced by the world’s soundtrack, and FC 27 delivers one of our most globally representative playlists yet. These are the songs that will both define the year ahead and last a lifetime. We’re proud to deliver this exceptional celebration of artistry, culture and the power of music to bring people together like never before.”
Back in 2024, YouTuber Niran Yesufu said what was on the minds of many fans at that year's EA Sports FC soundtrack. It had a heavy focus on mainstream acts instead of giving fans an opportunity to discover a lesser-known artist, which is part of what made the soundtrack so endearing.
"ice spice on a fifa soundtrack instead of an indie band from finland i've never heard of who are struggling to pay their energy bills but just produced the most feel good song of all time," he posted on X.
Since then, EA Sports FC has gotten back to its roots, leading up to this year's playlist, which is nearly bare of chart-topping artists.
Viral 'Storm' video featured on EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack
You've seen the viral videos of a person walking into a group of people lined up on steps and the crowd dancing around the individual. Several of the clips were made using an AI prompt, but the original is from "Storm" by GENER8ION featuring Yung Lean. That video shows a day in the life of schoolboys being rebellious and then the viral portion features choreography by Damien Jalet performed by real life dancers. It is fascinating.
The video mirrors the beautiful cacophony of the gritty grunge hype song. The track is broken down into two parts on streaming services and on the EA Sports FC soundtrack. The chants of "aye" throughout help it fit perfectly into the world of football.
Music video from Swedish rapper Yung Lean and GENER8ION has an amazing choreography, created by artist Damien Jalet. pic.twitter.com/fHV1yr9ihj
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) September 2, 2026
France shines bright on EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack
Kylian Mbappé is the cover athlete for EA Sports FC 27 after winning his second Golden Boot trophy with France in this summer's World Cup. French artists also dominated the video game's soundtrack.
While the British rap scene might get more global attention and has tangible partnerships with clubs and leagues, the French rap scene can hold its own. Take disiz, who has a mesmerizing feel-good song called "melodrama" with Theodora, a singer with an ethereal voice. Elsewhere, SDM's gritty voice is instantly attention-grabbing. His song "NZELA" has an Afrofusion tinge that is infectious.
"MEGATRON" by Laylow has a looming beat that starts with the rapper eerily whispering and then leaps into a distorted track that would fit right into Wakanda. "Nickel" by BEN plg has a similar dark vibe that is stank face-worthy and his vocal delivery is fierce.
In other genres, "More Love" by Adé is a rock anthem with a dose of dance music that is super interesting. DJ Pone gave a cinematic offering in the form of "BCN Squad." H JeuneCrack provided the groovy "Au max" and Alexia Gredy's "Un peu plus souvent - Yuksek remix" is also disco-ready. "particule" by miki has a gentle feel with an effortless build that is utterly uplifting.
Rap has solid presence on EA FC 27 soundtrack
As hip-hop has slowly faded from the top of the music charts, it still remains an elite genre for motivation. EA Sports embraced that with this year's FC soundtrack.
Kyan's track "Garage" stands out. He partnered with Enzo from the Block and Mu540 to create a banger. For him, like many artists throughout the years, having a song on the EA Sports FC soundtrack is an accomplishment worth reflecting on.
"I’ve been playing EA Sports' football games since 2007," KYAN said in a statement. "It’s something that’s been with me since I was a kid. I always had this dream of one day turning on the game and hearing my own song playing there."
The Brazilian artist said that his friendship with the featured artists began by playing the video game, so this is a full circle moment.
"We didn’t even speak the same language, but we could spend hours playing and understanding each other," he continued. "I feel like 10-year-old Kyan would go crazy if he knew that one day this was going to happen."
Another excellent gem on the soundtrack is "BOP" by Gentleman’s Dub Club and Jolie P. It's a grime track that bridges the past with the present and even shouts out legend J Hus.
Africa underrepresented in EA FC 27 soundtrack
It is unfortunate how Africa gets left out of the "global" conversation. The continent has shown that it offers incredible talent in the worlds of football and music, but is often underrepresented compared to its counterparts.
Look at the impact Cape Verde had in this summer's World Cup with a Cinderella run that had Lionel Messi and Argentina on the ropes. Or Ghana holding England to a scoreless draw.And we will get more action next summer when Malawi makes its debut in the women's World Cupbehind Kansas City Current superstar Temwa Chawinga.
There are five artists representing Africa on the EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack and only two songs led by an African artist. The head-banging "It Grows on Trees (Money)" is by South African artist AKA. Moroccan artists Smallx and Saib combined forces for the racing "BLOOM." Lous and the Yakuza, who represents the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers her vocals to the moody "Lemon Squeeze" by French singer Lolo Zouaï. Kenya's Wagathoni is featured on the slick "Moon and Back" by Iranian-American dance duo MaWayy.
There are a handful of artists that would be easy layups like Wizkid, Tems and Burna Boy, who was featured on "Dai Dai," the official World Cup song with Shakira. But the curators decided not to include any of these internationally-acclaimed Nigerian artists.
There aren't even songs from British rap stars Skepta or Dave, who proudly rep their Nigerian heritage or Stormzy, who is vocal about being Ghanaian.
There's also plenty of artists in the United States who represent their African roots. Take Denver-based Afrofusion artist E.M.E for example, who incorporates his Nigerian heritage into his art. Or Los Angeles MC Nana who is a proud Ghanaian artist and an excellent storyteller.
Sprinkle of mainstream offering on EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack, including Cage The Elephant and Jim Legxacy
The curators of the EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack didn't leave listeners with absolutely nothing familiar. There is a tasteful amount of artists who fans will recognize to ground the listening experience.
Classic rock group The Strokes is represented with "Lonely in the Future. "Cage the Elephant's "Dying in Reverse" is on here, as is Nia Archives' "Vertical." Ears will perk up hearing Anderson .Paak's undeniable voice on "Too On" by Steel Beans. Legendary hip-hop group Cypress Hill makes an appearance via "Run" with Poe Leos. Chase & Status join forces with the incredibly gifted British MC Little Simz on "Carnage."
Fans might not be familiar with Dahi's name at first, but his song with Kendrick Lamar and Amber Mark, "How to Pray," is featured on the soundtrack. The collaboration with the Compton legend is a drop in the bucket of Dahi's work. The producer is responsible for several hit rap songs, including Lamar's "Money Trees" and Drake's "Worst Behavior." He won a Grammy in 2020 for Best Rap Song for crafting the beat for J. Cole's "a lot" with 21 Savage.
Football supporters will smile hearing Jim Legxacy's "idk idk" in the video game. The British artist went from being homeless to winning awards for his 2025 album, "Black British Music." The Manchester United fan's inclusion on EA Sports FC is a full-circle moment after he made the music video for "'06 Wayne Rooney" with a video game theme.
Other standouts on EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack
The goal of the EA Sports FC 27 soundtrack was to showcase a diversity of sound to celebrate the vastness of the beautiful game. The curators definitely accomplished that because it is impossible to divide the 120 songs neatly into various categories of genre and vibe.
Among the songs that don't necessarily fit a box is "DOLCE" by Argentinian multi-hyphenate Cazzu. The song embraces her heritage via Spanish guitars and horns as the backdrop for her sugar sweet vocals. It gently builds and, even though it's far from a stereotypical hype track, is deeply inspirational.
"Look Up" by Australian singer Sycco is ethereal. Her voice floats like tulle as she croons "Stop your hesitating/'Cause you're my everything," over gritty drums and synths. It's magical. "Last of a Dying Breed" by Japanese-born artist Joji is soothing as well.
Then there's "Believe Me" by British producer BSearl. The song is sure to put you in a trance with its gentle opening, snappy drums and CA$PAR's fierce lyrical delivery. And another British deejay, nimino, provided the cinematic "Orla" with a clapping buildup and a really smooth balance of quiet moments.
In terms of rock songs, "Little Shiva" by Miami-bred Bruvvy has a funky bass line and a flirty rebelliousness like early No Doubt. "Autopilot" by Los Angeles-based alexsucks is utterly danceable, starting with a Jimmy Eat World-like guitar riff before jumping into a whirlwind of delightful yearning.
While it's far from necessary for a song to have a direct sports tie like a name drop in the lyrics to be considered worthy of inclusion, "Joga Bonito" by Nonô is an example of a track that tastefully fits in. The title translates to "beautiful game" in Portuguese and is a common name for Brazil's smooth style of play. The song served as an anthem for the country this summer and rightfully so as the thumping bass and the variety of vocals create a party experience.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yung Lean, Kendrick Lamar among artists on 120-song EA FC 27 soundtrack: Our favorites
