K-pop singer-rapper Lisa has found herself at the centre of a heated online debate following the release of 'Goals', the official promotional anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The track, which also features Brazilian star Anitta and Nigerian hitmaker Rema, dropped on Thursday amid high anticipation, but immediately split listeners.
Produced by Tropkillaz along with Cirkut, Bava and PinkSlip, 'Goals' blends K-pop, Latin pop and Afrobeats, pairing punchy choreography with glossy visuals. Despite surpassing 7.37 million YouTube views, the song quickly drew criticism for what many described as a mismatch between its concept and the spirit traditionally associated with World Cup anthems.
Lyrics spark debate over tone and theme
Much of the backlash focused on lines such as "My body, my fit, my friends, my whip" and "Buy out the club, I do it for the plot," which users on X argued felt more like a glam-pop club track than an anthem meant to represent global unity, passion and competitive spirit.
One user wrote, "The World Cup is one of the few moments where people of all cultures and backgrounds come together. Yet they decided to sing about being skinny, pretty and rich."
Another remarked sarcastically on Lisa's recurring artistic theme, "In 2021 she sang about money and clothes. In 2024, clothes and clubs. In 2026, again clothes, body, and clubs - the variety!"
Some also criticised the visuals, claiming the performance leaned too heavily into aesthetics rather than football-centric storytelling. One viral comment read, "A World Cup song is supposed to be about people coming together. All I see in Goals is Lisa shaking and singing about looking good."
Others felt the tone clashed with FIFA's family-friendly broadcast image, "Unity, peace and togetherness - and then you have Lisa over here singing about her body, taking shots, and being a club rockstar."
Comparisons with 'Dreamers', 'Waka Waka' and other past anthems
The release also revived comparisons with previous FIFA hits, especially 'Dreamers' by Jungkook, praised in 2022 for its hopeful message and stadium-friendly sound.
Social media posts highlighted what many saw as a stark contrast. One user wrote, "We went from Shakira's Waka Waka and Jungkook's Dreamers to… imaginary body goals. The downfall needs to be studied."
Another wrote, "Some World Cup songs: dreams, unity, vigor, strive. Goals: LOOK MY BODY AND MY TONGUE."
Several fans even claimed 'Goals' was "more disappointing" than 'Tukoh Taka', another track that previously received mixed reviews.
Why the pressure on Lisa felt higher
As only the second K-pop idol after Jungkook to contribute to a FIFA World Cup anthem, expectations surrounding Lisa were especially high. Fans noted the inevitable comparisons between Blackpink and BTS, two groups often portrayed as rivals in global pop culture.
Additionally, with little clarity on how much creative influence Lisa had on the lyrics, many supporters defended her, noting that performing artists don't always control thematic direction.
Amid the criticism, many fans continue to praise the track's production value, multicultural collaboration and dance-heavy music video. The anthem's virality, positive or negative, has only amplified attention ahead of the World Cup.
Lisa is also set to achieve another milestone: becoming the first female K-pop idol to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico beginning June 11.