Belle & Sebastian launch Scotland’s World Cup with new footie anthem ‘It Only Takes One Lion’

Scotland’s World Cup summer has been formally kicked off by Belle & Sebastian (who else?) with ‘It Only Takes One Lion’, the nation’s newest anthem. 

This 2026 World Cup is the first time that Scotland have qualified for the tournament since 1998, after beating Denmark 4-2 in spectacular style back in November last year.

Written following that very win, and given its live debut at the band’s recent turn playing London’s Royal Albert Hall (as part of their ‘Tigermilk’ / ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ 30th anniversary tour), ‘It Only Takes One Lion’ is a joyous, disco-flecked offering that’s shot through with hope and resilience, as well as a healthy dose of self-deprecation (“This Is Scotland / Where everybody knows you start with nothing”, goes the chorus). 

“It’s a personal song about following the travails of Scotland’s national team for the last 50 years,” the band’s Stuart Murdoch has reflected. “[It] tries to encompass the experience of the whole country following Scotland.”

Get your head in the game and check out the official video for ‘It Only Takes One Lion’ here: