On Sunday, the World Cup’s star-studded closing ceremony featured Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise, Grammy-winning artist Jennifer Hudson, and pop legend Robbie Williams, just before the thrilling match where Spain and Argentina clashed in the final.
The event took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium and showcased a vibrant mix of musical performances along with a heartfelt tribute to the global impact of football.
Hudson wowed the crowd with her powerful rendition of the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, clad in an elegant white gown paired with a blazer that featured a unique red, white, and blue ribbon detail.
Following her, Robbie Williams, the former frontman of Take That, performed the official FIFA anthem, Desire, alongside Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, with Williams shining in a dazzling royal blue tracksuit while Scherzinger and Pausini adorned striking blue gowns.
Wrapping up the ceremony, Tom Cruise delivered an inspiring address directly from the pitch.
Robbie Williams performed the official FIFA anthem, Desire alongside Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini (Getty Images)
Cruise reflected on the tournament’s journey, stating, “Thirty days ago, nations embarked on a journey, crossing oceans, borders, and cultures, demonstrating why this game is a universal treasure.”
He emphasized football’s unifying effect, calling it a “language spoken without words” that “brings people together” and “turns strangers into friends,” reminding everyone of their shared humanity. He continued, “From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, experiencing moments of joy and hope that we will never forget.”
In concluding his powerful address, Cruise underscored the collective ownership of the tournament’s narrative: “These stories now belong to each and every one of us, spanning every nation, every player, every supporter, every volunteer, and every dream realized on the pitch.”
Tom Cruise ended the ceremony with a passionate speech (Getty Images)
He called on everyone to celebrate the unity fostered by this tournament: “As we gather for one final chapter, let us honor a tournament that has united the world. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity, and this, this is greatness.”
The pre-match festivities kicked off nearly an hour earlier, highlighted by a dynamic performance from drummers in gold tracksuits at the center of the pitch. Social media sensation IShowSpeed also took the stage performing Champions, dressed in a sharp white suit and backed by a crew of dancers.
The stadium was stunningly transformed, featuring elaborate representations of iconic US landmarks, like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, around a central football-themed stage.
Earlier, Post Malone took the stage with Swae Lee (Getty Images)
Luminary rapper Post Malone later joined the festivities, delivering a performance of Chrome Heartbreaker while dressed in a cowboy hat, denim jacket, and jeans. He then collaborated with rapper Swae Lee on their hit Sunflower.
Among the notable figures in attendance were comedian Will Ferrell, Dune star Timothée Chalamet with his girlfriend, social media influencer Kylie Jenner, and legendary footballers Sir David and Victoria Beckham.