On July 7, 2026, legendary Irish rock band U2 released a new single, “Street Of Dreams.” It’s the band’s first new release since 2023. The new single has ties to the Street Child World Cup, which is a football tournament that unites street-connected children from around the world through an advocacy program. U2 is promoting optimism in “Street Of Dreams,” with messages of hope throughout the new single. It’s the first single from an upcoming album, the band’s first of all new material in nine years.
God, hear me shout / Lend Your ear to my prayer
When I’m far from anywhere / Down to my last breath of air
La calle, calle de los sueños / All the doors are open on the street of dreams
The song pairs well with the Street Child World Cup, with a message of freedom and hope. Children from all over the world play football in attempts to advocate for peace in their homelands. U2 has always been a band with sensibility and a universally positive message. U2’s Bono is renowned for his high-profile advocacy and philanthropic endeavors, co-founding two global health and anti-poverty organizations.
“Be here / Be free / Be yourself / And then free me / Your fate? (Gonna fight it) / Your trust? (Won’t be denied) / This bus? (Gonna ride it) / To the street of dreams”
“Don’t You Give Up on Your Dreams”
In May, U2 filmed a new music video for “Street Of Dreams” in Mexico City. Pitchfork reports that on the day of the shoot, a generator lost power and died during a thunderstorm. The band needed a backup location. Generously, one was offered to them by a nearby family. U2 then used their private balcony to finish the video shoot, adding a wholesome element to the finished product.
While in Mexico City, the band visited the Street Child World Cup tournament. U2 posted the experience on Instagram with a caption stating, “It was a privilege to be in Mexico City and witness the extraordinary young athletes at Street Child World Cup reminding everyone what talent looks like when it refuses to take no for an answer. Street Child United gives these young people a stage, a voice and the chance to be celebrated for who they are rather than defined by the circumstances they were born into. We’re honoured that “Street Of Dreams” could play a small part in telling a much bigger story.”
Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images for U2