Ranked the greatest FIFA World Cup ever by SPORTbible, it gave us Shakira’s Waka Waka, buzzing vuvuzelas, and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.
South Africa (19 September 2025) – Do you remember the 2010 FIFA World Cup? Not just the goals, the glory, or the drama on the pitch, but the moments that had everyone talking both on and off the field? South Africa’s hosting of the tournament was recently ranked the best World Cup ever by SPORTbible, a UK-based sports publisher popular for sharing sports news, videos, and viral content with a social media-savvy audience. And looking back, it’s easy to see why.
The 2010 World Cup was more than a football tournament; it was a pop culture phenomenon that captivated the world. South Africa became the first African nation to host football’s biggest stage, and it did so with a vibrancy and energy that left an unforgettable mark.
Music played a huge part in that story. Shakira’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) was performed during the opening ceremony and quickly became a global hit, dominating playlists everywhere. K’naan’s Wavin’ Flag captured the spirit of hope, unity, and resilience, while Game On, the official mascot song, brought a fun, upbeat energy that energised stadiums across the country.
Cool Story Bru’s Austin Macaskill recently highlighted this accomplishment in one of his videos.
View this post on Instagram
And then there were the vuvuzelas! For South Africans, they were a familiar part of football culture, but for many foreign fans, they were just chaotic. Yet, they became part of the World Cup’s identity, a symbol of local passion.
This World Cup birthed countless pop culture moments, viral fan celebrations, memorable fashion choices, and social media reactions that made the tournament feel even more alive.
So, thinking back, what moments from the 2010 World Cup stood out to you, on and off the pitch, that still stick with you today?
by 