World Cup Song 2026: More American, Less Football

After listening to Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carin Leon, I could say, I don’t feel the spirit of football. It makes sense if they released it for the Super Bowl. It’s more “American” and it doesn’t match.

If you check the lyrics and try to understand why they picked this song, I can’t feel anything that makes me hyped up. Compared to the previous songs, like Waka Waka or Wavin’ Flag, it’s a massive stumble for them. For the love of football, I pray I don’t see any commercials as well during the football match. It’ll be a major turn off like when I watch the NBA.

The Country-Rock Shift Nobody Asked For

FIFA released this song as the first single from the official World Cup 2026 album, and honestly? Fans are not happy. This is supposed to represent Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but it feels more like a country radio hit. One fan said it best: “Imagine having thousands of the world’s BEST musical artists and this is what North America has to offer?” Pretty sad from that one fan, how about the millions and millions of fans around the world?

The song talks about “feeling lighter” and “chains don’t rattle no more.” I feel like it’s more on Jelly Roll’s personal journey escaping whatever he is struggling on his life. That’s great and I’m happy for him, but where’s the football?! Where’s the energy that makes you want to run onto the pitch? Where’s the magic that we, the fans, craves for? I’m sorry but I’m not satisfied, am I wrong to want something better?

What Made World Cup Songs Special

Remember when Shakira gave us Waka Waka in 2010? She’s not even african but she gave a banger of a groove. That song had African drums, celebratory vibes, and made you want to dance! Critics are calling Lighter “a Bible Belt track without a pulse” and comparing it to music you’d hear in car commercials. They’re not wrong. I hate it. How about you?

The switch from world-infused pop to country-rock doesn’t represent global unity at all. I guess it’s more of American freedom because of the chains and feeling lighter. It represents one country’s music taste dominating an worldwide event. I don’t think the North America and South America pitch their idea and America just hogged it all FIFA President Gianni Infantino claims it shows “resilience, energy and joy,” but fans just hear another generic anthem that could’ve been for literally any American sporting event.

I’m hoping the next World Cup brings back what its music should be: global, energetic, and the football spirit. Right now, Lighter feels like FIFA forgot what tournament this is for. But that’s another 4 years… that’s a long wait for us fans.