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Carlos Vives, Emilia, Wisin and Xavi — the artists behind the 2026 Telemundo World Cup anthem — discussed their process during “The Music of the World Cup” panel at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday (Oct. 22), moderated by sports anchor and lead premier league host, Carlota Vizmanos. “This song is for the family,” Carlos Vives said of the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026, that will premiere at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on Oct. 23. “In a world where war and hatred are the norm, soccer is the complete opposite. What a great opportunity for this song to speak to that and for Telemundo to be the message that brings it.” During the discussion, all three of the panelists shared their own personal connections to the sport. “I’m grateful for the opportunity; I’m happy to represent Mexico,” Xavi added. “Honestly, [this opportunity] fell on me like a bucket of water. I’m still processing it. Despite being from different worlds, we all have something in common — and that’s soccer, and that’s why it’s about unity.” “Soccer unites us,” Vives added. “It’s brotherhood, it’s friendship, it’s love. Even though it’s competition and rivalry, it’s fair play. That’s why it unites us all.” Have you played Billboard’s Latin Music Week Crossword? Play now! “It’s truly something I remember on Sundays: getting together with friends and family, having a barbecue, and waiting for the game. It was a ritual,” Emilia noted. Meanwhile in Puerto Rico, soccer is “growing tremendously,” said Wisin. “It’s a door that opens to work internationally and have another chance to do something great.” Spanning 36 years, Latin Music Week is the single largest gathering of Latin artists and industry executives in the world. This year’s event — which also features Carín León, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Gloria Estefan, Kapo, Laura Pausini, Netón Vega, Ozuna, Pablo Alborán, and Xavi, among others — hosts panels, marquee conversations, roundtables, networking and activations, in addition to its celebrated Billboard En Vivo showcases. Latin Music Week also coincides with the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air Thursday, Oct. 23, on Telemundo and Peacock, where Bad Bunny will be honored as Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century.
