ESPN using U2’s music as soundtrack to World Cup soccer coverage

U2 is providing the soundtrack to ESPN’s soccer

NEW YORK — ESPN is using U2’s music as a soundtrack to its World Cup coverage.

The band struck a deal with the network for its music to be featured in promotions of World Cup coverage, and spots have been running since April. ESPN uses footage from the band’s 2009 concert at the Rose Bowl.

South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir also recorded versions of some U2 songs for use in the ads.

One ad uses U2’s song “Passion” in talking about the World Cup, and notes there was a baby boom in Germany nine months after the country hosted the 2006 World Cup.