FIFA has officially kicked off the musical countdown to the 2026 World Cup. On Friday, March 20, 2026, the organization released "Lighter," a cross-genre collaboration featuring American country-rap star Jelly Roll and Mexican regional music sensation Carín León. The track serves as the lead single for the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.

Canadian producer Cirkut helmed the project, which was first announced on Tuesday, March 17. By bringing together artists from the three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—FIFA aims to showcase the cultural synergy of the tournament's North American footprint. This specific collaboration highlights the unique musical identities of the host countries ahead of the global event.

The response from the global football community has been polarized. While many listeners praise the cultural representation, others have expressed frustration over the genre choice. According to Yardbarker, the shift from high-energy dance anthems to country-rap has left some fans "furious" on social media. Despite the mixed reviews, "Lighter" is now available on all major streaming platforms.