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Watch Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger perform ‘Desire’ at World Cup 2026™ Closing Ceremony
Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger performed the song "Desire" at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony, held after the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The performance marked the debut of the first official FIFA anthem, written by Williams, who was named the organisation's Music Ambassador last summer, and it capped a tournament final attended by numerous celebrities and world leaders.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute. Williams drew attention for a bedazzled tracksuit worn for the closing performance, prompting mixed reactions online, including comparisons to a Sopranos character, while the tournament's halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and featuring artists including Madonna, BTS and Shakira, was separately criticised by pundit Wayne Rooney as "crap".
In short
- Williams, Pausini and Scherzinger performed FIFA's first official anthem, "Desire"
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup 2026 final
- Williams' glittery tracksuit sparked varied fan reactions online
Explained simply
The FIFA World Cup is the world's biggest international football tournament, held every four years with billions of viewers watching matches from around the globe. The competition culminates in a final match between the top two teams, followed by a closing ceremony that marks the official end of the tournament.
Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger are award-winning international recording artists with significant global followings. They performed together at the World Cup 2026 closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, part of the celebrations following the tournament's final match.
The performance was notable because "Desire", the song they performed, was the first official anthem ever commissioned by FIFA specifically for the World Cup. Williams had been appointed FIFA's Music Ambassador earlier, reflecting the growing importance placed on music and entertainment around the tournament.