"The Cup of Life" is the English title of the song originally released in Spanish as "La Copa de la Vida." The track was recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin and produced by K. C. Porter and Draco Rosa. It was released as a single in 1998 and selected as the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which took place in France.
The song features a fusion of Latin pop, rock, and dance elements and incorporates lyrical references to the excitement and competitive spirit associated with the World Cup tournament. Its English-language version, titled "The Cup of Life," contains altered lyrics while preserving the song’s overall structure and musical composition.
Commercially, the single achieved significant chart success in multiple regions. In the United States, it reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart. Internationally, the song entered the top ten in several European markets, including Spain, Italy, and France. The accompanying music video, directed by Wayne Isham, depicts Martin performing among crowds of enthusiastic fans and includes imagery related to soccer.
"The Cup of Life" received critical recognitions, including a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1999. The song also won several awards at Latin music ceremonies, such as the Lo Nuestro Award for Video of the Year.
The track has been featured in various media and live performances, including Martin’s appearance at the 1998 World Cup closing ceremony, where he performed the song in front of a global television audience. It has been credited with contributing to the popularization of Latin pop music in the late 1990s and early 2000s.