Summary (tl;dr)

Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini are trending as they are set to perform a new, collaborative version of the official FIFA anthem "Desire" live for the first time at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony today.

Essential Background

Robbie Williams was appointed the official FIFA Music Ambassador last summer and released "Desire" as the first official FIFA anthem with Laura Pausini in July 2025. Williams later performed a duet version of the song with Nicole Scherzinger at the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Both Pausini and Scherzinger have been active with other projects, including Pausini co-hosting the Sanremo 2026 festival and performing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony, and Scherzinger reuniting with The Pussycat Dolls for a 2026 global tour and winning a Tony Award in 2025.

The Full Story

Today, July 19, 2026, marks the debut live performance of a new version of the FIFA anthem "Desire," featuring Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini, at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony. This marks the first time all three artists will perform the track together, which was recently unveiled ahead of the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. The ceremony is expected to draw an audience of approximately two billion viewers worldwide. Other performers at the closing ceremony include Post Malone, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Hudson, with a historic first-ever World Cup halftime show organized by Chris Martin, featuring artists like Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.

Why It Matters

The collaboration of these globally recognized artists on the official FIFA anthem highlights the intersection of music and sports on a massive international stage. The FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony offers immense global exposure for the artists, with millions tuning in worldwide. The inclusion of a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in World Cup history also signifies a growing trend in integrating major musical performances into global sporting events, aiming to enhance the entertainment value for a diverse audience.

Geographic Location

• New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States (FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony)