Jennifer Hudson sings National Anthem at 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was not just a clash of nations; it was an epic cultural spectacle, setting the stage for a halftime show and pre-game ceremonies that blended global football with some of the world’s biggest musical icons. The atmosphere in East Rutherford, New Jersey, quickly transformed into a global celebration as performers delivered unforgettable performances.

Before the highly anticipated match between Argentina and Spain began, the arena was graced by stellar talent. Jennifer Hudson took center stage, delivering a theatrical rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” With U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watching from a stadium suite, Hudson stood on the navy carpet, dressed in a white gown accented with red, white, and blue trim, as numerous American flags waved behind her.

The celebration continued as FIFA announced plans for a special pre-kickoff ceremony designed to honor the 48 teams’ unforgettable journey throughout the expanded tournament. The musical tributes were designed to amplify the feeling of unity that defines the World Cup experience.

As the festivities kicked into high gear, a lineup of global music superstars joined the celebration. English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, American singer actress Nicole Scherzinger, and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini took the stage to perform “Desire,” the official FIFA anthem for all tournaments. Dressed in coordinated blue ensembles, the trio commanded the field while surrounded by flag bearers representing nations from around the world.

The celebration of football’s power to unite was further amplified by iconic figures. Film star Tom Cruise took the field to deliver a powerful message, urging the crowd to celebrate the unity found in the game: “So as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness.”

Later events showcased more musical flair. Argentine star Maria Becerra performed her country’s national anthem while wearing an ensemble inspired by the Argentine flag, complemented by Spanish Brass performing the anthem of Spain. Earlier in the pregame festivities, streamer IShowSpeed energized the crowd with his song “Champions,” followed by a hit-filled performance from Post Malone, who debuted a new track before bringing out Swae Lee for their smash hit “Sunflower.”

The true musical crescendo arrived during the highly anticipated 11-minute halftime show. The event was headlined by an extraordinary collection of artists, including BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira, with the performance expertly curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, cementing the World Cup final as a truly global celebration of music and unity.