FIFA has unveiled “Echo” as the latest addition to the official 2026 World Cup album, marking the return of Puerto Rican reggaetón pioneer Daddy Yankee to the international stage after his brief retirement from live performances. The track, a collaboration with Jamaican singer Shenseea, blends reggaetón and dancehall under the executive production of Tainy, the acclaimed Puerto Rican producer who has shaped the sound of Latin urban music for over a decade.
The song is the third single released for the tournament, following “Lighter” and “Por Ella.” With its fusion of urban rhythms and electronic elements, “Echo” aims to capture the energy of the 48 teams competing in the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The production team also includes Massari and Jota Rosa, who worked to ensure the track transcends language barriers, while a instrumental fragment by Lebanese-French trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf adds a distinctive sonic depth.
The Big Boss Returns
For fans of reggaetón, Daddy Yankee’s involvement in a project of this scale is a major moment. The artist, often called “El Big Boss,” stepped away from touring in 2023 after his farewell tour, but his presence on a World Cup anthem signals that his influence remains central to Latin music’s global reach. In a statement, Daddy Yankee said, “Uniting the world through soccer and music is wonderful. These collaborations allow us to build relationships that go beyond any geographical limit.”
Shenseea’s dancehall style brings a fresh energy that complements Tainy’s production, creating a track that feels both rooted in Caribbean traditions and forward-looking. The collaboration is a reminder of how reggaetón and dancehall have long shared a musical conversation, from the streets of San Juan to Kingston and beyond. For a deeper look at the genre’s shared history, check out our piece on Reggaeton's Roots: A Shared History Beyond Puerto Rico vs. Panama.
The song’s release also highlights the growing role of Latin artists in global sports events. Earlier this year, Rauw Alejandro contributed to the World Cup rollout with “Dando Vueltas,” further cementing reggaetón’s place in the tournament’s soundtrack. You can read more about that in Rauw Alejandro Brings Reggaetón to the 2026 World Cup with 'Dando Vueltas'.
A Soundtrack for a Multicultural Tournament
As the World Cup approaches its June 11 kickoff, the official soundtrack is taking shape as a celebration of the three host nations’ diversity. “Echo” is just one piece of a broader musical narrative that FIFA is building for this historic edition, which will be the first to feature 48 teams. For Latino communities across the United States, the song will likely become a staple at watch parties and family gatherings during the month-long competition.
The track’s production reflects a conscious effort to connect with global youth, blending reggaetón’s infectious rhythm with electronic touches that feel at home in stadiums and on streaming playlists alike. Daddy Yankee’s return to the spotlight ensures that the legacy of Latin urban music continues to shine on one of the world’s biggest stages. As he put it, “This is about bringing people together, no matter where they’re from.”
With “Echo,” the 2026 World Cup gains a backbone of reggaetón, a genre that has long been the soundtrack of Latin America’s streets, parties, and now, its biggest sporting event. For fans in Puerto Rico, México, Colombia, and beyond, this is a moment of pride—a reminder that our music can move the world.
