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Football fans are bypassing traditional chart-toppers to mass-produce their own viral World Cup anthems using artificial intelligence (AI)
These tracks are already racking up millions of views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, according to AFP.
Surprisingly, many listeners say they prefer these AI creations over the official tournament anthem commissioned by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
Even Shakira's latest tournament track faces stiff competition from these digital earworms.
The trend kicked off in February with a French team tribute track by Crystalo, an artiste recognised as France's premier AI musical creator
Since then, producers from Argentina, Portugal, and Germany have rapidly replicated the format.
While the catchy phonk beats are driving online hype, the phenomenon highlights deep uncertainties surrounding copyright and artiste compensation.
Music technology professor Jason Palamara noted that these compact products often lack texture and complexity.
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates his goal during the international friendly football match between Argentina and Jamaica in 2022.
Image via New Straits TimesThere are also amusing technical glitches, such as a Portuguese fan song performed with a distinctly Brazilian accent
Questions also remain over how original artistes are credited when their work trains these algorithms.
"In music, there are clear rules. You can't just copy someone else's work or use samples without permission, even if AI is involved," warned producer Guilherme Maia, who utilised AI tools to layer his own Brazilian anthem.
Despite these legal concerns, many young sports fans enjoy the immediate, meme-like nature of the songs. Beatdapp co-CEO Morgan Hayduk observed that a cohort of listeners simply likes the music and its unique algorithmic backstory.
