Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise joined a host of global music stars to close out the World Cup on Sunday, delivering a powerful address from the pitch of the New York New Jersey Stadium. The ceremony, which unfolded moments before Spain and Argentina competed in the final, celebrated the tournament's journey and the sport's unifying spirit, with Cruise highlighting how football 'unites people' and 'turns strangers into friends'.
The pre-match festivities began nearly an hour earlier, transforming the stadium pitch with vivid depictions of iconic US landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Gold tracksuit-clad drummers kicked off the spectacle, followed by a performance from online streamer IShowSpeed, who delivered his track 'Champions' accompanied by dancers. The musical line-up also included Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson, who sang a powerful rendition of the US national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner', dressed in a striking white gown.
Former Take That frontman Robbie Williams took to the stage in a sparkling royal blue tracksuit to perform the official FIFA anthem, 'Desire'. He was joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, both adorned in elegant blue gowns. Later in the event, rapper Post Malone performed 'Chrome Heartbreaker' and was subsequently joined by Swae Lee for their hit song 'Sunflower', adding to the star-studded musical showcase.
The ceremony culminated with Tom Cruise's direct address to the crowd. Reflecting on the tournament, he stated, "Thirty days ago, nations began a journey. They crossed oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed us why this game belongs to the world." Cruise underscored football's ability to act as a "language spoken without words," fostering shared humanity and creating unforgettable moments of joy and hope across the globe.
Concluding his speech, the 'Mission Impossible' star urged attendees to celebrate the global unity fostered by the event. "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 and this, this is greatness," he declared. The event drew a high-profile audience, with comedian Will Ferrell, actor Timothee Chalamet, social media personality Kylie Jenner, and British football legend Sir David Beckham and Victoria Beckham all spotted in the crowd.