By Beyond Inspiration | June 14, 2026
The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup featured a memorable performance that captured the attention of football fans around the world.
World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and Korean-American singer-songwriter EJAE took the stage together to perform the official World Cup anthem, “DNA (More Than A Game).”
What made the performance even more special for Korean audiences was the inclusion of Korean lyrics in the song. Hearing the Korean language on one of the world's biggest sporting stages was a proud and emotional moment for many fans.
The anthem celebrates football as something greater than a sport. It is about identity, perseverance, passion, and the shared spirit that connects people across cultures and nations.
Who Is Andrea Bocelli?
Andrea Bocelli is one of the most beloved tenors in the world.
For more than three decades, he has captivated audiences with his powerful voice, performing both classical and popular music. Many people know him best for the timeless song "Time to Say Goodbye."
I have always loved the unique warmth and depth of Bocelli's voice.
What many people may not know is that Bocelli lost his sight after suffering a brain hemorrhage following a football accident during his childhood. Despite this challenge, he never wanted his blindness to define him or overshadow his music.
When I learned about his story, his music felt different to me. There seemed to be an even deeper sense of comfort, hope, and emotional resonance in every performance.
Perhaps Bocelli himself would disagree, but his music carries something difficult to explain with words—a quiet strength that reaches the heart.
Who Is EJAE?
EJAE is a Korean-American singer-songwriter who has made a significant impact in the global music industry.
Known for her work in both pop music and K-pop, she gained additional international attention through her involvement in the soundtrack of KPop Demon Hunters.
Her appearance alongside Andrea Bocelli on the World Cup stage symbolized the growing influence of Korean artists and culture on the global entertainment scene.
Why the Korean Lyrics Matter
One of the most memorable moments in the anthem comes from a simple Korean line:
"또 넘어져도 돼 또 다시 일어나"
In English, it means:
"It's okay to fall again, just get back up once more."
The message is simple yet powerful.
It speaks of resilience, determination, and the courage to keep moving forward even after failure.
What made this moment even more touching was the contrast between languages.
Bocelli sings:
"Hey, anche se cadiamo poi ci rialziamo"
which translates from Italian as:
"Hey, even if we fall, we get back up again."
EJAE then follows with the Korean line carrying the same message.
Different languages, different cultures, yet the same universal truth:
No matter how many times we fall, we can always rise again.
More Than a Game
The title DNA (More Than A Game) perfectly captures the spirit of the FIFA World Cup.
Football is not simply a competition.
It is part of people's identity. It creates memories, inspires dreams, and unites nations.
The anthem's central message reminds us that success is not about never falling. It is about getting back up every time we do.
That is why the Korean lyric resonated with so many people around the world.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Andrea Bocelli and EJAE was more than just a musical performance.
It represented the meeting of generations, cultures, and languages on one of the world's largest stages.
For Korean fans, hearing Korean lyrics in the official FIFA World Cup anthem was a powerful reminder of how far Korean culture has reached.
And for everyone watching, the song delivered a timeless message:
Even if we fall, we rise again.
That spirit is more than a game.
It's in our DNA.
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