
Football fans have reacted furiously after FIFA released the first official song for the 2026 World Cup, with Jelly Roll’s ‘Lighter’ failing to land.
The track was unveiled as part of FIFA’s early build-up to the tournament.
Instead of excitement, the release quickly turned into a wave of criticism across social media.
FIFA’s official post confirmed “Lighter” by Jelly Roll as the first song linked to the 2026 World Cup rollout.
The track marks a shift in tone from previous World Cup anthems, moving away from global pop sounds toward a more country-influenced style.
That change has become the central talking point, with fans immediately comparing it to past tournament songs.
The reaction online has been blunt, with many fans questioning how the song fits a global football event.
One comment described it as “Feels more like a WWE pay-per-view theme song.”
Others were more direct, with reactions including “This has to be a joke!” and “Oh my god, bro, what the hell is this?”
There was also a clear comparison to past World Cup music, with one fan writing, “From Waka Waka to this bro, come on.”
Criticism of the track itself was widespread, summed up by one response that read “Good lord, this song s____.”
The early backlash highlights the challenge FIFA faces in setting the tone for a tournament that carries huge cultural expectations beyond the pitch.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!