What’s in a song? The story behind the music playing at World Cup stadiums

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering — how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that “Wonderwall” plays after England matches? Are “Freed from Desire” or “Livin’ on a Prayer” always played? And why?

The songs are not random. Hundreds — more than 750, in fact, according to soccer governing body FIFA — are chosen in advance. FIFA has a “Stadium Entertainment Team” that works with the participating national associations to create playlists that...