Lauryn Hill and Marley Grandsons Light Up World Cup Draw

The moment football fans were waiting for became even more memorable when Lauryn Hill and Marley Grandsons Bring Reggae Soul to FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw. The December 5 ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. blended global sport with Caribbean culture, creating a vibrant start to the 2026 tournament season.

A Musical Highlight: Lauryn Hill and Marley Grandsons Bring Reggae Soul to FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw

Lauryn Hill delivered a powerful set backed by a live band. She performed classics like “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing),” capturing the full attention of the audience.
Midway through her set, she paused to honour Bob Marley’s love for football. She then invited his grandsons, YG Marley and Zion Marley, to join her.

Their collaboration blended neo-soul and reggae with ease. The energy onstage created one of the most memorable moments of the night.

YG Marley’s Rise in Global Music

YG Marley continues to gain momentum. His debut single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” entered the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first reggae track in seven years to reach the chart.
The song, co-written with Hill and sampling Bob Marley & The Wailers, has earned international attention. Its success has expanded YG’s audience far beyond the region, placing him among reggae’s most promising new voices.

Caribbean Teams Look Toward the 2026 Tournament

The Caribbean’s presence in the upcoming World Cup is growing. Haiti and Curaçao have already secured automatic qualification. These appearances mark major milestones for both nations.
Jamaica also has a chance to join them. If the Reggae Boyz win their inter-confederation playoff, they will enter Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

With matches scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many Caribbean fans—especially those in the diaspora are preparing for a rare opportunity to attend games in person.

Why the Draw Sets a New Tone for FIFA

This year’s draw hinted at a broader shift for FIFA. The organisation is now presenting the World Cup as a cultural event, not just a sporting one.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the 2026 final will include a major halftime show. It will follow a format similar to the NFL, combining elite football with high-impact entertainment.

The unforgettable moment when Lauryn Hill and the Marley grandsons brought reggae soul to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw shows how deeply Caribbean culture continues to influence the world.