IShowSpeed, Post Malone Headline World Cup Closing Ceremony Amid Fan Criticism
FIFA's new Super Bowl-style entertainment model draws mixed reactions as Spain and Argentina prepare for final showdown.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
The 2026 Fifa World Cup closing ceremony at Metlife Stadium, New Jersey, featured performances from YouTube streamer IShowSpeed and singer Post Malone, drawing immediate and divided public reaction.
Online personality IShowSpeed performed his track 'World Cup (Champions)' during the event. This marked the streamer's appearance on a global stage.
Post Malone debuted a new song, 'Chrome Heartbreaker,' and later joined Swae Lee for a rendition of 'Sunflower.' These performances expanded the musical lineup.
The ceremony also featured appearances from Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Jennifer Hudson, and Tom Cruise. Their presence broadened the entertainment spectrum.
FIFA introduced a Super Bowl-style half-time show for the first time in World Cup history this year. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the entertainment.
A separate halftime show for the final itself showcased Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS. This integrated major pop culture figures into the event.
This integration of a major entertainment spectacle into the World Cup final departs significantly from FIFA's traditional approach to event presentation.
The move aligns the global football tournament more closely with American sports entertainment models. These models have long incorporated high-profile musical acts.
This new format aims to broaden the final's appeal beyond traditional football audiences. It specifically targets viewers accustomed to large-scale musical performances at sporting events.
The financial implications of such elaborate productions are substantial. They involve significant investment in artist fees, stage design, and complex technical execution.
The 2026 World Cup represents a new era for FIFA. It blends global sport with high-profile musical acts to create a more expansive entertainment product.
The tournament's multi-national hosting across the United States, Canada, and Mexico highlights this globalized vision. It aims to maximize reach and engagement across diverse markets.
Despite the star-studded lineup, many viewers accused both IShowSpeed and Post Malone of lip-syncing during their sets.
Comments on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the perceived lack of live vocals. This generated immediate public debate.
The worst closing ceremony for a World Cup ever.
One fan called it 'the worst closing ceremony for a World Cup ever,' citing the use of playback as a 'shame.'
Another fan stated, 'The World Cup closing show was terrible.' A third added, 'It probably was the worst one.'
Viewers divided over the closing ceremony. One unnamed viewer described it as 'terrible with lousy production,' and another called it 'low budget.'
The World Cup closing show was terrible.
Meanwhile, the World Cup final pits Spain against Argentina. The match broadcasts live on the BBC and ITV.
Earlier, England secured a 6-4 victory over France in the Bronze Final. This concluded their tournament run.
Shakira and Burna Boy co-wrote the official tournament anthem. This further blended music and sport throughout the event.
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