Spain's Wordless Anthem Stands Out at 2026 World Cup Matches

During the 2026 World Cup, national anthems are played before each game, with players often singing along. However, Spain's anthem is an exception due to its lack of lyrics.

The Spanish national anthem, known as the 'Marcha Real,' is one of the few European anthems without official words, preventing players from singing it. Other European countries with wordless anthems include San Marino, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

The origins of the 'Marcha Real' date back to 1761, first appearing in Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros' Libro de Ordenanza de los toques militares de la Infantería Española under the title 'Marcha Granadera' (Grenadier March).

Between 1930 and 1939, during the Second Republic, the anthem was replaced by the "Himno de Riego." After Francisco Franco assumed power in 1939, the 'Marcha Real' was reinstated. Under Franco's regime, the anthem was occasionally performed with lyrics written by poet José María Pemán, though these lyrics were never officially adopted.

Since that period, the anthem has remained officially instrumental. Nevertheless, unofficial lyrics have surfaced from time to time, including a notable attempt in 2018 by pop singer Marta Sánchez. Despite praise from then-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Sánchez's lyrics faced criticism from musicians and the press. Later that year, singer-songwriter Alejandro Abad introduced another proposed set of lyrics.

The 'Marcha Real' was composed by Manuel de Espinosa and officially adopted in 1770. It has a duration of one minute and two seconds.

The 2026 World Cup schedule includes Spain's matches as follows: Spain will face Cape Verde on Monday, 15 June 2026, at 6:00 pm; Saudi Arabia on Sunday, 21 June 2026, at 6:00 pm; and Uruguay on Saturday, 27 June 2026, at 2:00 am. The tournament opens with the first match on Thursday, 11 June 2026, at 9:00 pm in Mexico City, and the final is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at 9:00 pm in New Jersey.