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When Elyanna first heard the demo for “Illuminate," she knew it had to be hers. The Palestinian-Chilean singer was at a studio session with her brother Feras and producer Cirkut and remember immediately falling in love with the energizing pop banger. “I recorded it that same day,” Elyanna tells The FADER over a video call from L.A.
“Illuminate” is the fourth single of the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack. The three-minute track, which also features R&B singer and Toronto native Jessie Reyez, sees both Elyanna’s Palestinian and Reyez’s Colombian roots taking center stage. As Elyanna seamlessly flows from English to Arabic (her longtime collaborator, Massari, and mother co-wrote the Arabic lyrics), the singer is seen in the music video grooving while dressed in henna, Palestinian coins, and floor-grazing, netted headpieces.
A lot is riding on Elyanna. She’s the only artist on FIFA’s soundtrack — which also taps Shakira and Burna Boy, Daddy Yankee and Shenseea, and a halftime performance with BTS and Madonna — to hail from the MENA, or Middle East and North Africa, region. But it’s not the first time the Nazareth-born musician has repped her heritage on a global stage. In 2023, she became the first singer to perform a set entirely in Arabic at Coachella, and in 2025, opened for Coldplay on tour.
At the time of our chat, the pop sensation is handling the pressure with cool and excitement. “As a Palestinian-Chilean, we really love [soccer],” she says. “Whenever it’s on, everything [around us] stops. So this is unreal.” Ahead, Elyanna talks about making “Illuminate” and representing her Palestinian roots at the 2026 World Cup. Catch her performance of the song at the opening match in Toronto on June 12.
What was it like working with Jessie Reyez on “Illuminate”?
We wanted to represent where we come from in our dancing — Jessie with Colombia, and I with Palestine and Chile. We also did so with our costumes. My look had traditional coins, henna, and all the little details. We wanted it to feel natural. What’s so fun about it is that in the video, it really was a fun cultural party. We had the best time.
What does “illuminate” mean to you?
“Illuminate” feels like a connection. Illuminate means to shine within. And when you shine within, your mind is open to explore and learn about new things. It's the only way for people from different backgrounds to connect — by shining and being curious to connect with others. So, I feel like that's what “Illuminate” is.
In the song, I sing in Arabic, “Let me hear your voice, the best in the world / Shout out to the champions.” I want that welcoming feeling for everybody, but especially for those from the MENA region — the North Africans, the Arabs — who were able to make it to FIFA. Hopefully, one day, everybody’s going to be qualified from our culture.
Elyanna, behind-the-scenes at the music video shoot for "Illuminate."
Courtesy of Elyanna
There are already dance challenges being created around the song. How are you taking it all in?
I love it! That’s what FIFA is about — dance, culture, and celebration. This song is made for that. It’s made for people to feel welcomed and proud of where they come from.
What was it like working with the children from HEAL Palestine in the music video? What does it mean to represent Palestine at a major event like the World Cup?
We shot this video in L.A., so there wasn’t a chance for all of us to be together. I can’t wait to see everybody when we perform the song in Canada. I want to see my people there. I can’t wait to see the kids [from HEAL Palestine] and give them gifts. In Palestine, I grew up seeing kids playing soccer — they play in the streets, in the schools, everywhere.
So, to see Palestinian representation at an event like the World Cup is something I’m very proud and excited about. It’s what excites me most about this [project]. It’s just us and the culture moving forward. It’s always my goal for us to be seen and heard.
Hopefully, one day, everybody’s going to be qualified from our culture.
As a lifelong soccer fan, how did the sport and the World Cup shape your upbringing?
I’ve always loved [soccer]. Of course, the game is fun to watch, but there’s a certain energy when people watch it. You feel the connection between everyone when they’re all rooting for one thing. It’s so powerful. There’s so much power when we’re all uniting to support a team.
I remember being in Chile once during the World Cup. It was lit — you’d go to the supermarket and see flags plastered everywhere to show support. Even in Nazareth, people would just turn on a projector for everybody to watch the game. I’m devastated Chile isn’t playing this year, but I’m still rooting for my MENA teams.
What’s your favorite past World Cup anthem?
I love “Wavin’ Flags” by K’NAAN. And who doesn't love “Waka Waka” by Shakira? It’s such a classic, legendary song. Super iconic.
What can we expect from the live performance at the opening ceremony in Toronto?
Jessie and I will be representing. We’re going to have the best time on stage, enjoying the moment. I’m so excited to start prepping for it. We’re just getting started, but so far, a lot of the choreography that we did for the video is going to be part of the performance. I have nothing set in stone for my outfit yet. But my sister and I are sketching, and we're starting to like the vibes. I want my outfit to be loose, fun, and colorful. With some coins, of course. For the culture, always.
The opening ceremonies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, and then in Toronto and Los Angeles on June 12, 2026.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
