FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Song 'Lighter' Draws Harsh Criticism, What Happened?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The anticipation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, but the release of its first official song has been marred by controversy.

The song, "Lighter," performed by American singer Jelly Roll and Mexican singer Carín León, has been officially released as the first single from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.

The song was produced by Canadian producer Cirkut and released on March 20, 2026.

This collaboration uniquely brings together the musical talents of the tournament's three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

FIFA itself announced the song's release as part of the upcoming Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album series, but the song has faced a harsh and negative reaction from fans and critics worldwide since its release.

"Lighter" officially opens the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, marking the beginning of the music lineup for the tournament.

This collaboration between Jelly Roll, Carín León, and Cirkut is designed to represent the three host nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

FIFA stated that the album will feature a diverse range of artists, similar to the format used for the 2022 World Cup, meaning there will be more than just one official main song.

The release of "Lighter" on March 20, 2026, is expected to fuel excitement ahead of the tournament.

The song combines Jelly Roll's country roots with Carín León's regional Mexican influences, creating a cross-cultural soundscape.

Producer Cirkut, known for his work with a wide range of artists, contributed his signature touch to the song's production.

FIFA hopes that "Lighter" will be the beginning of an album that reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The album aims to bring together a variety of styles, tempos, and cultures, in line with the multinational nature of the tournament, which will involve 48 teams.

Since its release, "Lighter" has sparked a significant wave of criticism on social media and among football fans.

Many listeners felt that the song lacked the "World Cup vibe" expected of an official tournament song.

One of the most common criticisms was comparisons to music typically found in the American car commercials.

Fans felt that the melody and mid-tempo country-rock feel lacked the excitement and energy typically associated with world-class football matches.

The shift in genre from the high-energy pop anthems that have often characterized previous World Cup songs to a country-rock style was also a major point of contention.

Immediate reactions on social media showed widespread disappointment.

Comments such as "Feels more like a WWE pay-per-view theme song" and "This has to be a joke!" flooded online platforms. Many fans also directly compared "Lighter" to previous iconic World Cup songs, such as Shakira's "Waka Waka," with the phrase "From Waka Waka to this, bro, come on."

Furthermore, the song was criticized for its religious allusions and its rather individualistic lyrical focus.

One listener complained, "It's a football tournament, but let's make a song about church choirs, Chevy trucks, chains, and muddy boots."

The lyrical focus on "I" rather than "we" was deemed out of step with the collective spirit and unity often promoted by World Cup songs.