Everything you need for the World Cup is right here. Download our FREE sweepstakes kit, listen to our banging playlist and enter our incredible competition!
World Cup Knockout Wallchart & Sweepstakes
We’d all love to be watching the England World Cup games live, but the fact is that most of us have to work!
So while nothing quite compares to the smell of pie and mash during a match (or whatever the Russian equivalent is), we’re here to make sure even your most anti-football work colleagues and friends can enjoy the World Cup.
How Do I Play?
As well as our knockout stages wallchart below, we’ve included two sheets to make it super easy.
The first contains every competing World Cup team. Click on the image below, print the sheet off, divide the teams up and put them in a hat.
Then it’s time for each person taking part to draw until all 32 teams have been selected. Charge a couple of quid per pick and put your new prize pot to one side until the winner is declared.
If you have less than 32 people, you can charge people extra to select a second team and increase their chances of winning.
Once all 32 teams have been selected, use our second sheet to record everyone’s choices.
World Cup 2018 Knockout Wallchart
We’ve put together this knockout wallchart to make it easy to print out on two A4 pieces of paper.
Then it’s just a case of sticking to the wall at your home or office, filling in your name under your team, and watching those sweepstakes winnings roll in!
And Don’t Forget You Can Still Save on Airport Parking
Enter the promo code WORLDCUP to get up to 20% off at any airport!
Simply enter the code on our homepage and then compare our huge range of airport car parks to get the best deal.
Competition: Full Refund for Customers if England Wins the World Cup
UPDATE: This promotion has now ended.
Secure airport parking provider SkyParkSecure is offering a full refund to customers booking airport parking services at Heathrow or Gatwick airports should England lift the World Cup. Those customers partaking in the limited-time offer and booking through SkyParkSecure will have a double celebration on their hands if the dreams of English football fans everywhere come true.
SkyParkSecure compares the prices of more than 300 car parks at 28 UK airports so that it can consistently offer the best discounts for travellers. Working together with car parking providers, SkyParkSecure customers have, to date, saved seven million pounds. Should England triumph in Russia, even more SkyParkSecure customers will have something to smile about. Whilst there’s no way to know if England will come out on top in Russia, the promotion gives travellers an extra incentive to back the England team and hope for a successful tournament.
SkyParkSecure works with only the best providers, both airports themselves and independent, airport-approved providers such as APH, Drivefly and Ace and prides itself on the fact that every supplier has been awarded the ‘Park Mark Award’. This means customers can rest easy when they leave their car at the airport, whether it’s for a long-term break or short-term getaway. Not happy to rest there, SkyParkSecure collects real reviews from real people via Reevoo, ensuring that its partner car parks are always secure and delivering the very best service to customers.
SkyParkSecure Head of Public Relations Ryan Mulholland is excited about the offer and the upcoming World Cup, “At SkyParkSecure, we know how much our service means to customers. It’s never easy leaving your car in an airport and not knowing if it’s going to be in the same condition you left it in when you return. We like to think we provide peace of mind in our customers and that’s exactly why we’re so rigorous in vetting the providers we partner with. This offer is a great way for customers to get quality, assured parking and maybe, just maybe get it for free.
“Should the best happen – and there seems to be an air of quiet confidence around this England team – our customers will benefit from secure airport parking and it won’t cost them a penny. They’ll have Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy to thank, if that’s the case!”
The promotion is only available to customers booking parking at Heathrow and Gatwick.
The Ultimate World Cup 2018 Playlist
Whether you’re having the lads and ladies round for a beer, you want to get into the footie mood while you’re at work, or you want something to distract you from your sweepstakes team’s loss, a good playlist can really lift your spirits.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate World Cup 2018 playlist. We’ve included a song for every competing team, but they won’t be what you think.
Check the whole playlist out below, or scroll down to see videos and an explanation for each.
Argentina
- Song: Don’t Cry For Me Argentina
- Artist: Julie Covington / Madonna
- Sample Lyric: Don’t cry for me, Argentina / The truth is, I never left you
Hopefully, there won’t be any tears for the South American squad this year.
This emotional ballad may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to the game of two halves, but it’s a fitting intro to a tournament that everyone has so much riding on.
Australia
- Song: Down Under
- Artist: Men at Work
- Sample Lyric: I come from a land down under / Where beer does flow and men chunder
This song screams Australia. Written by Men at Work’s lead singer and guitarist Colin Hay and Ron Strykert, it catalogues a series of Australian slang terms and stereotypes.
In the World Cup, if nowhere else, beer will be flowing, and men will indeed be chundering.
Belgium
- Song: Bedlam in Belgium
- Artist: AC/DC
- Sample Lyric: Bedlam in Belgium / Came for a good time and left on the run
Another party song that encourages drinking by another Australian band. How about that?
The song stems from when AC/DC had a gig in Kontich, Belgium, where rock concerts were few and far between. They were apparently the loudest band the venue had ever heard, and when they went over the strict 11pm curfew a riot broke out between the police and the local bikers!
Brazil
- Song: Brazil
- Artist: Declan McKenna
- Sample Lyric: I wanna play the beautiful game while I’m in Brazil / ‘Cause everybody plays the beautiful game while out in Brazil
This one’s actually about football — who’d have thought it?!
The young singer-songwriter penned the tune after hearing about FIFA’s corruption and financial mismanagement during the last World Cup in Brazil. The line “He talks like an angel but he looks like me” is said to be about the disgraced Sepp Blatter specifically.
Colombia
- Song: Ras Tas Tas Full Hd
- Artist: Cali Flow Latino
- Sample Lyric: Dice! ras tas tas tas, tas tas! / Dice gol, de colombia!
This was Columbia’s song during Brazil’s 2014 World Cup, and since they got all the way to the quarter-finals (losing only 2–1 against Brazil), the song has stayed in the hearts and minds of Colombians ever since.
You better believe this tune will be blasted across Colombian homes and bars as long as the team live up to their legacy.
Cosa Rica
- Song: Dime la Verdad
- Artist: Ojo de Buey
- Sample Lyric: Dime la verdad / Dime su secreto (Tell me the truth / Tell me your secret)
Ojo de Buey combines reggae with Latin dance, and they’ve now become living legends in their native Costa Rica.
When this song rolls around, you’ll get a real feel for the country’s heritage and culture in just four minutes. And you won’t be able to stop dancing.
Croatia
- Song: Neka Pati Koga Smeta, Hrvatska Je Prvak
- Artist: Baruni
- Sample Lyric: Neka pati koga smeta / Hrvatska je prvak svijeta (Let whom it bothers suffer / Croatia is the champion of the world)
Croatia’s anthem this year is a bit of a downer ballad, so instead I’m looking to their song from World Cup 1998, which despite being 20 years old has stood the test of time, even today!
And with lyrics that translate to this, who am I to argue?
They told us we were slow,
so they sent the Germans in,
And we scored three points,
so they went home.
Denmark
- Song: Copenhagen
- Artist: Tina Dickow
- Sample Lyric: Copenhagen / I’ve never seen you look this bright
Tina Dickow is Danish born and bred, and this song is her tribute to the nation’s capital from 2010.
It’s a beautiful breather which will hopefully prepare you for what’s to come — including a bit of ska and a big football anthem.
Egypt
- Song: Night Boat to Cairo
- Artist: Madness
- Sample Lyric: The oar snaps in his hand / Before he reaches dry land
I was this close to choosing Walk Like an Egyptian, but it just seemed too obvious.
Instead, I’ve gone for this ska classic from the mighty Madness. There’s a definite Egyptian flavour to the music, and the upbeat bass and horn lines really lend themselves to a post-match boogie.
England
- Song: Vindaloo
- Artist: Fat Les
- Sample Lyric: Nah Nah Nah / Nah Nah Nah / Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah / Nah Nah
Well, what else was it going to be?
France
- Song: Do You Hear the People Sing?
- Artist: Les Misérables Cast
- Sample Lyric: When the beating of your heart / Echoes the beating of the drums
It’s a real French rabble-rouser, this one.
Obviously the song is originally set amongst the Paris Uprising of 1832, but it’s interesting how much of it works as a football chant, with horns and gang vocals aplenty.
Germany
- Song: “Heroes”
- Artist: David Bowie
- Sample Lyric: We can be heroes / Just for one day
Perhaps not the first song you think of when it comes to Germany, but it’s a great footie tune with its impassioned vocals and lyrics about being heroes just for one day.
The song was written when Bowie was living and working in Berlin, particularly at Hansa Studio. He saw a couple of lovers embracing by the Wall, and the lyrics suddenly came to him. Insightful stuff!
Iceland
- Song: Immigrant Song
- Artist: Led Zeppelin
- Sample Lyric: We come from the land of the ice and snow / From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow
Led Zeppelin wrote Immigrant Song during their tour of Iceland in 1970, and Robert Plant sat down to write the lyrics on the first date in Reykjavík.
“We weren’t being pompous…We did come from the land of the ice and snow. We were guests of the Icelandic Government on a cultural mission. We were invited to play a concert in Reykjavik and the day before we arrived all the civil servants went on strike and the gig was going to be cancelled. The university prepared a concert hall for us and it was phenomenal. The response from the kids was remarkable and we had a great time.”
Iran
- Song: Another Brick in the Wall (Hey Ayatollah, Leave Those Kids Alone)
- Artist: Blurred Vision
- Sample Lyric: We don’t need no education / We don’t need no thought control
Pink Floyd’s 1979 original was covered, with Roger Waters’ permission, by Blurred Vision, a pair of Iranian-Canadian musicians.
With a new context, the track forms an interesting anti-authoritarian protest song, highlighting the issues that many Iranians are going through.
Japan
- Song: Mr. Roboto
- Artist: Styx
- Sample Lyric: Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto / Mata au hi made (Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto / Until the day we meet again)
From the serious…to the not so serious.
You don’t need a music degree to guess that this song was released in 1983 — it’s dripping with 80s synth and flamboyant vocals.
There’s no other song in our World Cup playlist that’s more fun than this one!
Korea Republic
- Song: Gangnam Style
- Artist: PSY
- Sample Lyric: Oppa is Gangnam style / Gangnam style
You thought you’d heard this song for the last time, didn’t you?
Unfortunately, Korea Republic are well and truly in the thick of the 2018 World Cup, which means you’ll have to listen to this song again.
But it’s been a few years now, so give it a go. You might find you like it!
Mexico
- Song: Down in Mexico
- Artist: The Coasters
- Sample Lyric: Come with me to the border, south of the border / That is
In Mexico, yeah in Mexico
Down in Mexico was The Coasters’ first big hit, telling the story of a honky-tonk in Mexico run by a cat named Joe. The loose R&B sound is the perfect accompaniment to enjoying a margarita with a World Cup match.
Film buffs might recognise this number from Death Proof or The Hangover Part III.
Morocco
- Song: The Road to Morocco
- Artist: Bing Crosby & Bob Hope
- Sample Lyric: We’re off on the road to Morocco / Well look out, well clear the way, ’cause here we come
This little ditty is taken from the film of the same name from 1942, and although it’s a little bit culturally immature when listened to today, you can’t argue with its catchiness.
Imagine playing this one when El Kaabi taps the ball into the net.
Nigeria
- Song: Green Land
- Artist: Ty Bello
- Sample Lyric: The land is green – it’s green / Ooooh
Ty Bello is one of Nigeria’s most popular stars, and this song of love and hope has become something of a national chant.
Expect to hear it many times throughout the World Cup!
Panama
- Song: Panama
- Artist: Van Halen
- Sample Lyric: Panama / Panama / Panama / Panama
Okay, I have to admit that I just love this song.
It might have very little to do with the beautiful game, but if they’re your team and they bag a victory, get ready to chant that chorus at your workmates.
Peru
- Song: Este Amor No Es Para Cobardes
- Artist: Barrio Calavera
- Sample Lyric: A todos lados te seguimos / Hemos ganado, hemos perdido (Everywhere we follow you / We have won, we have lost)
Barrio Calavera takes traditional ska and reggae and infuses it with a Peruvian twist.
Este Amor No Es Para Cobardes is everything you want from your football banger — it’s absurdly upbeat, there are plenty of parts to join in with, and it’s almost impossible not to crack a smile while you’re listening to it.
Poland
- Song: Granda
- Artist: Brodka
- Sample Lyric: Zbliżysz się o krok / Porachuję kości (If you approach me by one step / I’ll beat you black and blue)
Granda is an assertive song from a former Polish Pop Idol winner — and with a biting edge that puts some modern rock bands to shame, she’s refusing to underestimated because of where she’s come from.
With a strong Polish lineup in this year’s World Cup, you might say the team are coming out with a similar message.
Portugal
- Song: Portugal
- Artist: Walk the Moon
- Sample Lyric: One summer turns into ten summers / One lover turns into ten others
Walk the Moon lead singer Nick Petricca was so inspired by the natural beauty of Portugal that he penned this song.
What started off as an instrumental demo while they were touring the country turned into a fan-favourite for the band, and one that’s perfect for our ultimate World Cup 2018 playlist.
Russia
- Song: Back in the U.S.S.R.
- Artist: The Beatles
- Sample Lyric: And Moscow girls make me sing and shout / That Georgia’s always on my mind
Because we are indeed headed back over to Russia, although it’s not the USSR anymore.
The lyrics for this one are very concerned with women (classic Beatles), although there are plenty of double meanings hidden in there, such as references to Georgia, the country that existed as a union republic within the USSR.
Either way, you can’t go far wrong with a toe-tapping Beatles tune in your World Cup playlist.
Saudi Arabia
- Song: National Anthem of Saudi Arabia
- Artist: Various
- Sample Lyric: N/A
Well, I had to put one national anthem in there, and I was a little stuck for famous tunes inspired by the country if I’m honest.
That said, the Saudi Arabia national anthem is an inspirational little number, filled to the gills with all the patriotic hornlines you could ask for.
Senegal
- Song: Senegal
- Artist: Akon
- Sample Lyric: Still from the ghetto, ooh, of Senegal / Africa, Africa
Akon’s tribute to his home country of Senegal forgoes the usual nationalistic tone of such a tribute song, and instead honours the country with an honest portrait of life there.
It’s a laid-back R&B tune that will be easy to sway to while watching a Senegal match.
Serbia
- Song: Moje Zlato
- Artist: MC Yankoo
- Sample Lyric: Ti moje zlato (You, my gold)
MC Yankoo is a Serbian rapper — sort of like an Eastern European Pitbull.
While his vocals may sound like they could be from almost anywhere, the instruments behind him are unmistakeably Serbian, with a killer horn section and even some accordian thrown in for good measure.
Spain
- Song: Spain
- Artist: The Stranglers
- Sample Lyric: Found a place in the southern reaches / A day or two in a saddle-ride
The Stranglers have some absolute belters under their…erm…belt — and Spain is no exception.
The lyrics come loaded with all the best things about Spain — rolling plains, beautiful views, sunshine and wine. And you can just imagine that triumphant keyboard solo playing if Spain lifts the World Cup.
Sweden
- Song: Sweden (All Quiet On the Eastern Front)
- Artist: The Stranglers
- Sample Lyric: Let me tell you about Sweden / Only country where the clouds are interesting
Yeah I know, another Stranglers song, but they’re too good a band to deny.
This punk/new wave number details vocalist and guitarist Hugh Cornwell’s time at Lund University in Sweden. If it’s not obvious from the lyrics (Cumulus nimbus floats by / Fluctuations at a minimum / Hypochondriac tombstone), he was studying biochemistry.
Switzerland
- Song: Smoke on the Water
- Artist: Deep Purple
- Sample Lyric: We all came out to Montreux / On the Lake Geneva shoreline
Smoke on the Water originated from a casino fire in Montreux, Switzerland on December 4, 1971. After someone fired a flare gun at the ceiling during a Frank Zappa show, they sat and watched a layer of smoke cover Lake Geneva, which inspired the song.
Tunisia
- Song: Night in Tunisia
- Artist: Dizzy Gillespie
- Sample Lyric: N/A
If you’ve heard this big band composition before, it’s because it’s become a jazz standard since 1941 when it was written.
It’s appeared on hundreds of recordings, and is probably the most famous song with Tunisia in the title, so I can’t think of a better track to honour the country in the 2018 World Cup.
Uruguay
- Song: Descolgando el Cielo
- Artist: Edu Lombardo
- Sample Lyric: Nunca favoritos / Siempre desde atrás / Milagro que nos abraza / En el minuto virinal (Never favorites / Always from behind / Miracle that embraces us / In the final minute)
Football is as big of a deal in Uruguay as it is in England. But they’re something of an underdog, and this tune really gets to the heart of that, stating there’ll be a miracle in the final minute that will cause them to win.
You can’t critcise optimism like that!
So that’s our playlist — what do you think? Feel free to follow and share with your friends when you’re watching the next match!
