Produced by Cirkut, the Song Showcases the United States, Mexico, and Canada for Football’s First-Ever Tri-Nation Tournament.
LISTEN TO “LIGHTER” click here!
On March 20, 2026, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album begins its rollout with the global release of “Lighter” by Jelly Roll and Carín León, produced by Cirkut, via Def Jam Recordings. This track marks the first chapter of a landmark album created for the most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ in history. [Listen to “Lighter” here.]
Uniting three defining artists from the tournament’s host nations—Jelly Roll (United States), Carín León (Mexico), and Cirkut (Canada), the 2026 GRAMMY® Award-winning Producer of the Year—“Lighter” blends Jelly Roll’s country roots with Carín León’s regional Mexican influence, bridging genres and reflecting both the cultural richness of the host nations and the global passion for football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the global significance of the project, stating, “The FIFA World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world moves to the same rhythm. The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is not simply a musical accompaniment to the tournament; it’s a statement about where the global game is going. By bringing together artists whose voices resonate across continents, we are creating something that mirrors the scale, ambition and cultural impact of this historic competition. Lighter marks the beginning of that journey. It is a powerful expression of resilience, energy and joy – a song that will connect with fans everywhere and become part of the atmosphere in stadiums, fan celebrations and communities around the world throughout the tournament.”
Reflecting on the collaboration, Jelly Roll said, “Music has a way of reaching people in places you’d never expect, and the way this song came together with Carin Leon and Cirkut is proof of that. I’ve had a whole lot of respect for both of them for a long time, so getting to come together on this record has been real special. Grateful to be able to share it with folks all over the world.”
Carín León added, “Collaborating with an artist like Jelly Roll, and doing so for nothing less than the biggest sporting event in the world, is something that fills me with pride. As a Mexican, I’m incredibly excited to be part of this project and to bring a piece of our music and culture to so many corners of the world. Very grateful for the opportunity and happy to share what we love most: music from the soul.”
Producer Cirkut commented, “Working with Jelly Roll and Carín León on the first record of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album was a real honor. We wanted to create something that carries the sound and soul of the host countries, and hits in a way that connects with fans around the world.”
As the opening release of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Album, “Lighter” ushers in a new era of football music, celebrating the diversity, energy, and cultural resonance of the beautiful game. The album will feature both established global stars and emerging voices, carefully curated to reflect the diversity of the 48-team tournament and the worldwide communities it represents. By bringing together artists across genres and continents, the project serves as a cultural bridge, connecting football fans with music communities and inviting audiences to engage with the artists they already love. To listen, click here!