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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Dafydd Iwan's World Cup song features 70,000 Wales fans' voices recorded from hidden microphones

A remastered rendition of Dafydd Iwan's iconic Yma O Hyd featuring voices of the Red Wall will be used as Wales' official World Cup song.

The legendary singer belted out his famous anthem prior to Wales' play-off matches against Austria and Ukraine earlier this year. Following his spine-tingling rendition of the song in the June final against the Ukrainians, players called for Iwan to join them on the pitch during their post-match celebrations after securing a place at the global showpiece for the first time since 1958.

The Football Association of Wales planted microphones throughout Cardiff City Stadium for the two play-off contests to record 70,000 fans singing Yma O Hyd and the national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

READ MORE: In search of George Baker, the forgotten 1958 Wales World Cup squad member who never made it onto the plane

And as Rob Page's men prepare to head to Qatar for what will be only their second ever World Cup appearance, the FAW have confirmed that a special version of Iwan's big hit - which features the Red Wall singing the song - will be available to purchase ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

“Yma O Hyd has become a national slogan and now the song which gave meaning to it is the official anthem of the Cymru national team for the World Cup,” said Mr Iwan.

“It’s an impossible dream come true and the incredible sound of the Red Wall on this track is exciting and inspiring to hear. This version of Yma O Hyd forever documents a marvellous moment in Welsh history, with all those wonderful voices helping Cymru reach the World Cup with their passion.

“No other nation will have anything like this to inspire their team on the grandest stage of them all. So c’mon Cymru, let us tell the world that we are here.”

The official music video for the remastered hit will be released on November 7 while the track - released by Sain Records - will be available to stream and download across all major platforms.

All profits generated will be invested directly into grassroots facilities across Wales.

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