Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams were among the stars who appeared on the pitch for the World Cup closing ceremony at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, just before Spain and Argentina kicked off in the final.
Jennifer Hudson Sings National Anthem
Grammy-award winning singer Jennifer Hudson delivered a rendition of the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, wearing a white gown and matching blazer. The blazer featured a red, white, and blue ribbon detail that tied the back of the jacket together.
Robbie Williams Performs FIFA Anthem
Robbie Williams performed the official FIFA anthem, Desire, alongside Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini. The former Take That star wore a sparkling royal blue tracksuit, while Scherzinger and Pausini wore blue gowns.
Tom Cruise's Unity Speech
Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise ended the ceremony with a passionate speech on the pitch. He said: "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."
He added: "From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy, moments of hope, moments we will all never forget." Cruise described football as a "language spoken without words" and a force that "unites people", "turns strangers into friends", and reminds people what they have in common.
He continued: "These stories now belong to each and every one of us, to every nation, to every player, to every supporter, to every volunteer, to every dream carried on the pitch. 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."
Other Performances and Celebrities
Nearly an hour before the main acts, the closing ceremony began with gold tracksuit-wearing drummers performing in the centre of the pitch. Streamer IShowSpeed sang his song Champions, sporting a white suit with a team of dancers around him.
The pitch depicted several US landmarks, including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, with a football-like stage at its centre. The performance later cut to rapper Post Malone, who sang Chrome Heartbreaker while wearing a cowboy hat, denim jacket, and jeans. He was then joined by rapper Swae Lee to sing their hit song Sunflower.
Comedian Will Ferrell was spotted in the crowd, along with Dune star Timothee Chalamet and his girlfriend, social media star Kylie Jenner. Sir David and Victoria Beckham were also in attendance for the final.
