Bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup Excitement to Your Music Classroom with This Boomwhacker, Dr
If your students love soccer (or Football / Fútbol / Futebol / Fußball:, depending on where you live!), this play-along is a fun way to combine music-making, rhythm reading, melodic performance, and ensemble skills into one engaging activity. Inspired by the music of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, this resource gives your students the opportunity to perform together using Boomwhackers, classroom drums, and even ukuleles.
Teacher Note: This play-along features "Music" by Mirwais Ahmadzai and Madonna Ciccone, with lyrics by Madonna Ciccone and Mirwais Ahmadzai. While Madonna has had a long and influential career in popular music, you may decide that her music is or is not appropriate for your classroom or school community. The accompanying manipulatives focus on the musical concepts and the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup rather than the artists themselves. As always, please use your professional judgment to determine what is best for your students and teaching environment.
One of my favorite things about this activity is that it can easily be adapted for different grade levels. Whether you're teaching younger elementary students or an upper elementary ensemble, everyone can participate!
Boomwhackers for Upper Elementary and Middle School
The Boomwhacker part was designed with upper elementary and early middle school musicians in mind. Students perform a melodic line using only seven Boomwhackers:
C
D♭
D
G
A
B♭
C (both C tubes can be played together)
Because the melody moves quickly in places, I recommend introducing it at a slower tempo before asking students to perform with the recording. The resource also includes practice pages so students can become comfortable with the melodic patterns before playing the entire song.
Teaching Tip
Use the Playback Speed setting on YouTube to slow the video to 75% or even 50% while students learn the melody. As they become more confident, gradually increase the playback speed until they can comfortably perform with the original recording.
Even better, pair the slower tempo with the printable manipulatives found in the Extras section of my Buy Me a Coffee page. Students can physically practice the note patterns before ever picking up a Boomwhacker. It's a wonderful way to reinforce note reading while building confidence.
Younger Students Can Join the Fun Too!
Don't let the advanced Boomwhacker part keep your younger students from participating.
The drum part was intentionally designed so that both younger elementary and upper elementary students can successfully perform it. Students simply follow the soccer ball conductor icon on the screen while alternating between two rhythm patterns:
a pattern containing several whole rests
a pattern using a dotted quarter note, eighth note, and half note
This makes the rhythm part accessible while still reinforcing important rhythmic concepts and steady beat.
Don't Forget the Ukulele!
You'll also notice a simple ukulele part included throughout the play-along.
This isn't intended to become the focus of the activity. Instead, it's there for classrooms that have ukuleles available or simply need another instrument for additional students.
The song uses only two chords, making it perfect for beginning ukulele players.
One important note:
Although the score shows 6-fret chord diagrams, the chords can easily be played on a traditional 4-string ukulele. The extra frets simply make the diagrams easier to read and align visually with the score. Students can choose their own strumming pattern or use one of these simple steady-beat patterns:
D D D D
D DU D D
These patterns help students stay together while accompanying the ensemble.
Watch the Conductors
One feature students quickly understand is that each ensemble has its own visual conductor.
Boomwhackers
The yellow conductor bar begins on the left side of the screen but soon moves to the center, where it remains for the rest of the song. Encourage students to keep their eyes on the yellow bar as they perform.
Drums
Drummers simply follow the soccer ball icon, which guides the rhythm part throughout the performance.
A Fun Performance Technique
One of my favorite moments in the arrangement is when the D and A Boomwhackers perform a roll.
Instead of striking the Boomwhacker repeatedly, have students place the Boomwhacker inside a triangle and gently shake it back and forth. This creates a smooth rolling effect that's both visually engaging and easy for students to perform. It's always a hit with the class!
Differentiate for Your Classroom
One of the best parts of this resource is its flexibility.
Some ideas include:
Use only the drum part with younger elementary students.
Challenge upper elementary students with the Boomwhacker melody.
Add ukulele for students who already know a few chords.
Divide the class into Boomwhackers, drums, and ukulele for a full ensemble experience.
Practice sections at a slower tempo before performing with the original recording.
Because each part has a different level of difficulty, students can experience success while still being appropriately challenged.
Best Wishes for a Great Year!
If you are beginning your school year in the next month, I am right there with you. I am beginning my 31st year as an elementary music teacher and my 30th year at my current school. I am looking forward to being back in the classroom and continuing this journey in education!
Let's have a great and supportive school year with lots of music making! Thank you for all that you do to bing the joy of music making to your students!