Belle and Sebastian Unveil “It Only Takes One Lion” for Scotland’s World Cup Bid

GLASGOW – Scotland’s 2026 World Cup campaign receives an official anthem with the release of Belle and Sebastian’s “It Only Takes One Lion,” out now on Matador Records.

Belle and Sebastian premiered “It Only Takes One Lion” at London’s Royal Albert Hall in April 2026, during their anniversary tour celebrating 30 years of Tigermilk and If You’re Feeling Sinister. The track, co-written and produced by Pete Ferguson, was released on June 2, 2026. This disco-pop anthem follows the band’s recent albums, A Bit of Previous and Late Developers.

Frontman Stuart Murdoch penned “It Only Takes One Lion” the day after Scotland’s decisive 4-2 World Cup qualifying victory over Denmark. He described it as a personal reflection on 50 years of following the national team, aiming to capture the country’s shared experience. The song incorporates nods to Scottish players like Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean.

A Nation's Game, Crystallized in Disco-Pop

Belle and Sebastian’s “It Only Takes One Lion” functions as a vibrant anthem for Scotland’s 2026 World Cup campaign, a standalone single distinct from recent albums like A Bit of Previous or Late Developers. Frontman Stuart Murdoch penned it after Scotland’s 4-2 qualifying win over Denmark, embedding personal experience and national identity into lyrics referencing players such as Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean. The track debuted during their 30th-anniversary tour. For a detailed exploration, read our breakdown of “It Only Takes One Lion” by Belle and Sebastian.

Co-written and produced with Pete Ferguson, the song’s disco-pop sound draws inspiration from Baccara’s “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie,” capturing the emotional range of football fandom. Its chorus declares national identity and acknowledges humble roots, while playfully nodding to the ‘Tartan Army’ and projecting Scotland onto the global stage. Murdoch’s lyrics also include a subtle, good-natured jab at England’s “Three Lions” anthem, emphasizing the singular moment of brilliance that can ignite a nation’s collective dream.