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Why is Auld Lang Syne played whenever the Netherlands score a goal at the World Cup?

Published 15:24 25 Jun 2026 BST

Updated 15:24 25 Jun 2026 BST

Harry Warner
Why is Auld Lang Syne played whenever the Netherlands score a goal at the World Cup?

Homesport

Fans have been quick to point out the quirk

When people think of the song 'Auld Lang Syne' they think New Year's Eve, Hogmanay, Jules Holland and dancing arm-in-arm.

Well, while this almost 250-year-old Scottish song by Robert Burn is one engrained into the minds of all of us living on the British Isles, it is less common abroad.

That is unless you're Dutch, in which cause the catchy melody is, in fact, very familiar.

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Songs at the World Cup?

In what appears to be a growing trend in football, goals at the World Cup are first greeted with the roar of the crowd, and then a song to follow it up.

Often this song is one that is synonymous with that nation, while other times it's just an iconic, catchy tune.

The song is chosen by the nation's football association and there is a second song for full time.

Some countries have songs that make sense, such as England's 'Chase the Sun' by Planet Funk, a favourite of darts fans, while Germany have the classic 'Major Tom' (Völlig losgelöst) by Peter Schilling.

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Scotland, of course, have 'Yes Sir, I Can Boogie' by Baccara, although that's only been played once and probably won't be getting played again at this World Cup (sorry Scotland).

However, one of the odder choices is that of the Netherlands, which is a song called 'Wij houden van oranje' by André Hazes.

The 1988 classic is based on the Scottish song 'Auld Lang Syne' with its English name being 'We Love Orange'.

The song was first sang during the 1988 Euros and quickly went on to become synonymous with the national football team.

So, there you have it, next time the Dutch score a goal and you ask yourself, 'why is Auld Lang Syne playing in the background' you know why!

Thank us later.

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