Amber Mark, J Balvin, Travis Barker, and Steve Vai have teamed up to cover Van Halen's "Jump" as the Coca-Cola Anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Does this make sense? Absolutely not. Is it terrible? Only a little bit. Do I ever want to hear it again? No. That said, Mark's voice sounds good and the guitar solo from Vai is fine. It's mostly just incredibly confusing how this ended up happening. It does not make me want to jump. In fact, it has me feeling down.
Here are some quotes cobbled together from the press release that attempt to justify it. First, J Balvin:
Music for me has always been about bringing people from different countries and cultures together—and ‘JUMP’ is all about that shared energy. From the football stands to watching at home, everyone knows that moment when emotions are high and you’re jumping for greatness. Partnering with Coca-Cola on their anthem for FIFA World Cup 2026TM felt natural—it’s about hype, energy, and creating something that feels real. This song is about celebrating life and living in the moment.
Amber Mark adds:
Van Halen’s "Jump" is one of those rare songs that transcends generations, so approaching it came with a lot of respect. Being able to honor the original while bringing a modern perspective was incredibly special. I’m excited to be part of a track that connects past and present in such an uplifting, powerful way, and I hope fans feel that energy for years to come.
Sure, why not. Check out the visual directed and designed by McFlyy below.
