Football players singing their national anthems when they are played just before a game in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is quite a common sight.
But have you noticed that the Spain players never sing their anthem? Ever wondered why it’s the case. There is a simple answer but then comes the complicated history.
No Lyrics in Spain’s National Anthem
The simple answer is that Spain anthem has no lyrics. So, the players just stand in respect while the instrumental plays out. They are not alone in the world when it comes to this category. San Marino, Kosovo along with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s anthems also have no lyrics. Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in this edition and made it to the Round of 32 before losing to USA.
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The Complex History
The name of the anthem is ‘La Marcha Real’ and it was composed by Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros in 1771. It was declared by Queen Isabella II. There are no lyrics and it is only instrumental. But that was not always the case as it did have lyrics once. Words were added by General Francisco Franco when he ruled as Spain’s dictator from 1938 and 1973.
After he was no longer in power, Spain became a democracy and the lyrics were removed to cut the link with Franco and his dictatorship. There have been suggestions for lyrics have been suggested. The Spanish Olympic Committee tried to have a competition to pick the lyrics back in 2007. This was after the Committee’s then President Alejandro Blanco was in Anfield to watch a Liverpool game. He saw the side play and the passionate rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ won him over. So, the competition happened and 7000 entries were submitted.
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Competition for Lyrics
A panel that consisted of historians and Theresa Zabell, a former Olympic champion were involved in the verdict. The winner was 52-year-old Paulino Cubero from Madri. The new lyrics were going to be ‘Viva Espana! Cantemos todos juntos which translates to ‘Long live Spain! Let us all sing together!’. But they never came through and were scrapped which led to criticism. There were concerns about lack of promotion of cultural diversity along with worries that it was similar to how Franco spoke in his regime. So it was retracted and 19 years later, the anthem still has no lyrics lyric-less. Fans have been spotted singing lyrics that are not official, but players opt to stand in respect with linked arms and just listen to the music.
Spain’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Report Card
In FIFA World Cup 2026, Spain have qualified for the semis after beating Belgium 2-1 in the quarters. They ended World Cup dream by defeating Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16. The hero of both these games was ‘super sub’ Spain next face France led by for a place in the final where they shall take on either Argentina or England.