‘Cancel the World Cup’: Fans react as FIFA releases first 2026 anthem

March 21, 2026 Oliver Obel

FIFA’s first official song for the 2026 World Cup is already generating debate, with some fans questioning whether it captures the spirit typically associated with the tournament.

The track, titled “Lighter,” brings together American country artist Jelly Roll and Mexican singer Carín León. FIFA says the collaboration is intended to reflect the shared cultural identity of the tournament’s three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — which will stage the expanded 48-team competition next summer.

In a statement accompanying the release, FIFA described the song as part of a wider effort to create “one global rhythm” through a full World Cup album featuring artists from different regions and musical styles. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously called the project “magical,” positioning it as a key part of the tournament’s broader entertainment strategy.

The track also features production from Canadian producer Cirkut, a recent Grammy winner for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical.

The release comes as FIFA continues to roll out commercial and media plans ahead of the tournament, including a recently announced partnership with YouTube that will allow selected matches to be streamed through official broadcasters.

https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2033909112837132341

Online reaction

Early reaction online suggests the song has not resonated with all listeners. While some welcomed the cross-genre approach, others were more critical of its tone and energy.

Several posts on X compared “Lighter” unfavorably with previous World Cup anthems. One user wrote, “World Cup songs really fell off,” referencing past hits such as Shakira’s “Waka Waka.” Another commented that the track “feels more like a WWE pay-per-view theme song.”

Some criticism focused on whether the song delivers the emotional impact typically expected from a World Cup soundtrack, with one user calling it “generic and forgettable.”

Still, the release marks only the first in a series of songs planned for the official 2026 album, suggesting FIFA will continue to experiment with a mix of global sounds in the lead-up to kickoff.

Sources: FIFA, X