Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The album for the rollout of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun with the global release of the single “Lighter”, performed by Jelly Roll and Carin Leon, and produced by Cirkut. Released via Def Jam Recordings, the track is now available on all major streaming platforms.
“Lighter” unites artists from each of the tournament’s three host nations: Jelly Roll from the United States, Leon from Mexico, and Canada's Cirkut, who won the 2026 Grammy Award for Producer of the Year in the non-classical category.
The song blends Jelly Roll’s country influences with Leon’s regional Mexican style, creating a cross-genre sound that symbolises the shared cultural vitality of North America and the universal appeal of football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as more than a tournament soundtrack. “The FIFA World Cup is one of the rare moments when the entire world moves to the same rhythm,” he said.
The album “is not simply a musical accompaniment; it is a statement about where the 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 competition”, he said.
“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.”
Jelly Roll reflected on the collaboration: “Music has a way of reaching people in places you’d never expect, and the way this song came together with 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.”
Leon added: “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.”
Commenting on the production, Cirkut said: “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.”
The full album will feature a diverse range of artists from various continents and genres, deliberately selected to reflect the expanded 48-team tournament and the global communities it unites.
