Lisa officially stepped onto the global football scene after featuring in the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Goals”, alongside Anitta and Rema. However, despite massive anticipation for the release, the song quickly became the center of heated debate online.
Ahead of the tournament, FIFA introduced “Goals” as the official soundtrack intended to energize football fans around the world. With Lisa’s international popularity combined with Anitta and Rema’s Latin and Afrobeat influences, many expected the song to dominate streaming platforms and social media trends.
Instead the reaction was sharply divided.
While some listeners praised the song’s energetic production and festival vibe, many others criticized the track they lack emotional depth and fail to capture the unifying spirit traditionally associated with World Cup anthems.
Several online comments have described the “Goals” as sounds more like a commercial advertising campaign than a memorable football anthem. Critics took particular aim at the lyrics, arguing this the song seemed superficial and failed to create a sense of connection between cultures and nations. Some even tagged the track “embarrassing” compared to the iconic World Cup songs from previous tournaments.
As criticism spread, many netizens began comparing “Goals” to “Dreamers,” the official 2022 FIFA World Cup song performed by Jungkook.
Released during the Qatar World Cup, “Dreamers” received widespread praise for its inspirational message, uplifting melody, and Jungkook’s live performance during the tournament’s opening ceremony. For many fans, the song best represented the emotional core of the World Cup: unity, hope and global connection.
The comparisons have inevitably put even more pressure on Lisa, especially since this is one of the few times a BLACKPINK member has participated in a project directly tied to a major global sporting event.
However, some fans have defended Lisa amid the backlash, pointing out that artists involved in official FIFA songs rarely have full creative control over the music, lyrics, or overall direction of the project. Many have argued that FIFA’s business strategy and global branding likely played a significant role in shaping the final product.
The controversy over “Goals” once again highlights the enormous expectations attached to World Cup songs. Audiences no longer simply want a catchy tune: they expect an anthem that will become part of football history and create emotional memories for billions of fans around the world.
Despite the mixed reception, Lisa’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup project remains a milestone in her international career. However, the ongoing debate suggests that star power alone may not be enough to turn a sports anthem into a true cultural phenomenon.
