The 2026 World Cup is about to become one of the most star-studded sporting events in history, and Robbie Williams is leading the charge. As FIFA’s official Music Ambassador, Williams has just released a brand new version of the tournament’s official anthem“Desire,”featuring two powerhouse vocalists: Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini. What makes this collaboration particularly special is that the three artists will be performing together live for the very first time at the closing ceremony this Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. With an anticipated global audience of around two billion viewers, this moment will be watched by more people than almost any other live event on Earth.
The closing ceremony itself is shaping up to be an unforgettable spectacle of entertainment and sport. Post Malone, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Hudson round out the performance lineup, but the most groundbreaking addition is the World Cup’s first-ever Halftime Show. Organized by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, this historic inaugural Halftime Show will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, creating a cross-generational lineup that appeals to music lovers of all ages. The closing ceremony will air on BBC One in the UK and precede the final match between Spain and Argentina, making it the perfect bookend to an unforgettable tournament.
This closing ceremony represents the culmination of Robbie Williams’partnership with FIFA, which he took on last summer. The collaboration also marks a milestone for the artists involved, as Williams and Pausini first performed“Desire”together at the Final Draw for the 2026 World Cup. Now, with Scherzinger joining them on this electrifying new version, the anthem has evolved into something truly massive. So what performance are you planning to tune in for first on Sunday: the closing ceremony or the historic Halftime Show?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.