Mixed reactions to FIFA’s 2026 World Cup song ‘Lighter’ highlight clash between global unity and American isolationism

The release of ‘Lighter’, the first official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by Jelly Roll, Carín León and producer Cirkut, has drawn widespread criticism for its lack of energy and its country-rock style. Departing from the global, rhythm-driven pop traditions of previous World Cup anthems, fans have found the song more fitting for a small-town church gathering than for a global football celebration. While past songs such as Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’ or Ricky Martin’s ‘The Cup of Life’ inspired collective excitement and international unity, ‘Lighter’ leans heavily into the American South’s musical and religious aesthetics, creating a disconnect between its tone and the tournament’s inclusive message. Critics argue that the song’s lyrics, filled with references to personal redemption, prayer and salvation, seem more autobiographical for Jelly Roll than representative of football’s global spirit. The article suggests that the track mirrors current US political sentiment — proud yet inward-looking — rather than the ideals of diversity and togetherness FIFA aims to promote. Despite a thematic nod to perseverance and overcoming hardship, ‘Lighter’ misses the vibrant and unifying essence that fans have come to expect from a World Cup anthem, leaving many questioning FIFA’s creative direction for this edition of the tournament.