Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini teamed up to perform FIFA’s official anthem, “Desire.”
Jennifer Hudson performs the U.S. national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final officially got underway with performances from Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and more music stars.
Moments before kickoff between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Hudson delivered a theatrical rendition of the United States national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
With U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump watching from a stadium suite, Hudson — one of just 22 artists to achieve EGOT status — stood on a long navy carpet stretching across the field wearing a white gown accented with red, white and blue trim. Numerous American flags waved behind her as she sang.
Ahead of the match, FIFA said in a press release that the singer and actress would perform a “special rendition” of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and that the pre-kickoff ceremony would “celebrate the 48 teams’ unforgettable journey” throughout the expanded tournament.
English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, American singer actress Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini perform Desire, the official FIFA anthem for all FIFA tournaments, before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Tullio Puglia – FIFA / FIFA via Getty Images
Following Hudson’s performance, Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini joined forces for a performance of FIFA’s official anthem, “Desire.” Dressed in coordinated blue ensembles, the trio performed at the center of the field while surrounded by dozens of flag bearers representing nations from around the world.
Tom Cruise then took the field to deliver a speech celebrating soccer’s power to unite people across the globe.
“So as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together,” the iconic film star told the crowd. “Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness.”
Representing the defending champions, Argentine star Maria Becerra later performed her country’s national anthem while wearing a blue-and-white ensemble inspired by the Argentine flag. The band Spanish Brass performed 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 song before bringing out Swae Lee for their Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash “Sunflower.”
The World Cup final was also set to feature an 11-minute halftime show headlined by BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira. The performance was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
