Carín León on World Cup song, country music and Sphere shows | AP interview

Carín León says contributing a song to the FIFA World Cup 2026 soundtrack fulfills a lifelong dream for the Mexican superstar and soccer fan. Speaking with AP music editor Maria Sherman at the Empire State Building on June 4, León discussed his collaboration with Jelly Roll and Canadian artist Cirkut, which was selected for the tournament project ahead of the World Cup being hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"It's my favorite sport. And, you know, being part of the World Cup in the way that it is for me was a dream now. Now a dream fulfilled. But you know, with the... making a song with Jelly Roll that it's an artist that I admire so much, that I admire what he's doing for his genre, for his country for you know it inspires me so much. And I identify a lot with him," he said.

León said the partnership came after years of friendship with Jelly Roll and represented a natural meeting of cultures connected through music.

The singer also reflected on his long-running efforts to bridge regional Mexican music and American country music, genres he describes as closely related. León has collaborated with artists including Kacey Musgraves and Cody Johnson, and says connecting the two musical traditions has been one of his goals since the beginning of his career.

Beyond the World Cup, León revealed he is working on a full English-language project produced with acclaimed Nashville producer Dave Cobb. Rather than a traditional country album, León says the music evolved into a blend of country, rock and American folk influences.

"Since I was a kid, I always think like Mexican music and country music, there were like causes. They have a lot in common. And it my my question always was why the artists don't make this approach to country music."

The artist is also preparing for a landmark residency at Sphere, becoming one of the first major Latin music acts to headline the venue.

León says he remains focused on experimentation and collaboration, believing music is a universal language that naturally connects cultures and audiences.

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