Taiki Waititi’s Next Goal Wins Drops Epic 7-Minute Track By Michael Giacchino [EXCLUSIVE]

Next Goal Wins is the latest film from Academy Award-winning writer and director Taika Waititi. Waititi is well-known for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the director of Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, but truly made a name for himself with unique films like Boy, What We Do in the Shadows, and Jojo Rabbit. In Next Goal Wins, Waititi turns his eye to sports, telling the story of the underdog American Samoa soccer team and their attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Waititi was inspired to make the film by a documentary, as Next Goal Wins is based on a true story. To dramatize that story, however, the film enlists some of the most accomplished actors and filmmakers around. One such player is renowned composer Michael Giacchino, whose previous work includes Up, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Jurassic World. Giacchino also scored a slew of MCU hits like Spider-Man: Homecoming and Doctor Strange. Screen Rant is excited to debut a selection of Giacchino’s work from the soundtrack for Next Goal Wins; listen to “Next Goal Wins” below:

Listen To The Next Goal Wins—Original Motion Picture Soundtrack On November 17th

“Next Goal Wins” is just one of 24 tracks that compose the Next Goal Wins—Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. This score was one of Giacchino’s first projects since the composer directed Marvel’s Werewolf By Night, and continues to showcase his knack for melodic and emotional writing that serves the story of his projects. Giacchino had the following to say about his work on Next Goal Wins:

Michael Giacchino: As my very first sports film, composing the score for Next Goal Wins was an utter joy as I attempted to capture the essence of the Samoan soccer team’s underdog story. Taika Waititi’s ever unique vision only helped add to the films heart, wit and fun, allowing me to score moments of heartache, triumph and perseverance all culminating in a celebration of the spirit of community, the strength of individuals and the power of teamwork.

The results of Giacchino’s mission statement can be heard in “Next Goal Wins”, a 7-minute journey through musical soundscapes and emotional themes. The track is uplifting and ever-evolving, with sparse instrumentation leading into an emotional piano, which then transitions into a triumphant chorus before bringing in high-octane orchestral writing. The progression of “Next Goal Wins” feels not only as though the track will be paired with a rollercoaster of a sequence in the film, but also like it’s a perfect companion for Taika Waititi’s unique directorial style.