Tyla & Future – Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Song): Lyrics, Release Info & South African Pride
Tyla & Future – Game Time (FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Song)
Tyla teams up with Future for ‘Game Time’, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem. Read the lyrics, release date, and why South Africa is buzzing ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening match.
Introduction: A South African Star on the World Stage
Just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, South African Grammy winner Tyla has teamed up with American rap superstar Future to release ‘Game Time’ – an official anthem for the tournament.
The track, which drops on May 29, 2026, is part of FIFA’s ambitious musical lineup for this year’s World Cup. While Shakira and Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’ is the official lead anthem, ‘Game Time’ stands tall as one of the event’s premier hype tracks.
For South Africans, this is more than just a song. It’s a moment of national pride as Tyla – the ‘Water’ hitmaker – represents the country on football’s biggest stage.
When Was ‘Game Time’ Released?
FIFA officially announced the collaboration on May 27, sharing a teaser clip with the caption: “What time is it? It’s GAME TIME”. The full track dropped two days later.
What Is ‘Game Time’ About?
Described as “Atlanta trap meets South African flavour”, the song captures the high-stakes energy of World Cup competition. Future delivers motivational bars about perseverance and success, while Tyla showcases her versatility – even rapping in her signature ‘Popiano’ style.
Key Themes in the Lyrics
Tyla’s Verse Highlights
Tyla’s verse is packed with attitude and cultural nods:
- “You don’t wanna see me go beast mode / You don’t wanna see me on a good day” – A warning to competitors
- “Boricuas screamin’ out, ‘Olé'” – Shout-out to Puerto Rican fans
- “I’m APOP star, yeah, this is platinum rocks”* – A reference to her upcoming July 2026 album, ‘A-POP’
- “Pluto brought the princess to the block” – ‘Pluto’ is one of Future’s alter egos
- “Tens on me like I’m ‘Dinho” – A tribute to Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho (often called ‘Dinho’)
Full Lyrics: ‘Game Time’ by Tyla & Future
Pre-Chorus: Future
Man, heard what you said through the grapevine
Funny thing ’bout your problems, they ain’t mine
Stayin’ up through the late night
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Gettin’ religious with it
How I’m crossin’ these state lines
Workin’ hard through the late nights
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Chorus: Future
I see the stars in the sky
I see me standin’ on top of it
Need two accountants
Made a lot, more than a lot of it
I’m with the fam, fam
We Batman and Robin it
Call for the game, game
Nah, there ain’t no stoppin’ it
Refrain: Future
Yeah
Game time
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Game time
Verse 1: Future
Kick it like FIFA across the world
No stoppin’ me, shawties be clockin’ me
This for the ones that came out of poverty
This for the ones that never gave up
This for the ones that’s turnin’ it up
This for the fans, my fam, my trust
This for the game we love
Seven figures all above
Goin’ all way ’round the world
Icing the cup out with pearls
Refrain: Future
Yeah
Game time
Oh, yeah, oh, yeah
Game time
Verse 2: Tyla
It’s true, I’ma issue
If you don’t wanna win, how can I assist you?
Make a referee wanna blow the whistle
Everything fit, I’m official, ha
You don’t wanna see me go beast mode
You don’t wanna see me on a good day
Pullin’ up, lookin’ like a cheat code
Boricuas screamin’ out, “Olé”
Caviar, escargot
I’m A*POP star, yeah, this is platinum rocks
Pluto brought the princess to the block
I ain’t want the pink one, he got the tiger from the shop
Olé, ah, yebo, ah, yebo
Tens with me, never cincos
Tens on me like I’m ‘Dinho
Pre-Chorus: Future & Tyla
Man, heard what you said through the grapevine
Funny thing ’bout your problems, they ain’t mine
Stayin’ up through the late night
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Gettin’ religious with it
How I’m crossin’ these state lines
Workin’ hard through the late nights
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Chorus: Future & Tyla
I see the stars in the sky
I see me standin’ on top of it
Need two accountants
Made a lot, more than a lot of it
I’m with the fam, fam
We Batman and Robin it
Come for the game, game
Nah, there ain’t no stoppin’ it
Bridge: Tyla
Ah-woah, there ain’t no stoppin’ it
There ain’t no stoppin’ it
There ain’t no stoppin’ it
Woah, oh-woah
Every day I be grindin’ and stackin’
That’s why I’m so proud of it
Ah-ah, woah
Flyin’ like I’m in a paper plane, landin’ in my privatest property
Oh, yeah
Put it on everything, ain’t no stoppin’ it, no, no, it ain’t no stoppin’ it
Pre-Chorus: Future
Man, heard what you said through the grapevine
Funny thing ’bout your problems, they ain’t mine
Stayin’ up through the late night
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Gettin’ religious with it
How I’m crossin’ these state lines
Workin’ hard through the late nights
Twenty seconds ’til game time
Chorus: Future
I see the stars in the sky
I see me standin’ on top of it
Need two accountants
Made a lot, more than a lot of it
I’m with the fam, fam
We Batman and Robin it
Come for the game, game
Nah, there ain’t no stoppin’ it
Source: Lyrics transcribed from official release
Bafana Bafana Connection: The Perfect Pump-Up Track
South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, will face Mexico in the World Cup opening match on June 11. Fans and radio personalities are already calling for ‘Game Time’ to be played in the dressing room.
As one South African radio host put it: “Bafana Bafana needs to hit play on ‘Game Time’ whenever they take to the field”.
The song’s energy, confidence, and South African flavour make it a natural anthem for the team.
Tyla’s Massive 2026: What’s Next?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| ‘Game Time’ Release | May 29, 2026 |
| World Cup Opening Ceremony Performance | June 11, 2026 |
| Sophomore Album ‘A-POP’ Release | July 24, 2026 |
Tyla has already been confirmed for FIFA’s World Cup opening ceremony entertainment lineup alongside Katy Perry, LISA, Rema, and Anitta. Her performance will be watched by millions globally.
Her upcoming album ‘A-POP’ (stylised as A*POP) marks her transition into a new pop era. Fans can expect to hear more of her rapping – a skill she displayed prominently on ‘Game Time’.
How Fans Are Reacting
Social media has been buzzing since the announcement:
- “Tyla and Future together? This is going to be huge for SA!”
- “Atlanta trap meets South African flavour – exactly what the World Cup needs.”
- “Bafana Bafana better walk out to this song.”
While some fans argue that Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ remains the official lead anthem, many believe ‘Game Time’ is just as worthy of World Cup classic status.
Other 2026 FIFA World Cup Songs
FIFA has curated a diverse soundtrack for the tournament:
Final Word
‘Game Time’ is more than just a World Cup song – it’s a statement. Tyla, who burst onto the global scene in 2023 with ‘Water’, is now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with one of hip-hop’s biggest names, Future.
For South Africa, this is a moment of pride. A local artist is not only performing at the World Cup opening ceremony but also soundtracking the tournament itself.
Key takeaways:
- Game Time’ by Tyla & Future drops May 29, 2026
- Official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Tyla will perform at the opening ceremony on June 11
- Described as “Atlanta trap meets South African flavour”
- Part of Tyla’s lead-up to her July album ‘A-POP’
Stream ‘Game Time’ now on all major platforms.
Disclaimer: Lyrics are transcribed from official sources and may vary slightly from the final mastered version.
