The FIFA World Cup final closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey featured a surprise performance by YouTube personality IShowSpeed, leaving many fans baffled and questioning the artistic direction. The event, which preceded the showdown between Argentina and Spain, was also marked by significant fan delays entering the stadium and a delayed appearance by expected headliner Tom Cruise.
IShowSpeed, who boasts over 58 million subscribers on YouTube, took to the stage with a colorful array of backup dancers to perform his original song "Champions." The content creator's inclusion was unexpected for many, contrasting with the billed appearances of Hollywood stars.
Following IShowSpeed's performance, Post Malone took the stage, performing his new track 'Chrome Heartbreaker,' followed by his 2018 hit 'Wow.' He was later joined by rapper Swae Lee for their Grammy-nominated song 'Sunflower.' Malone's performance included a t-shirt with the message 'I just hope both teams have fun,' a reference to a viral social media moment.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and confusion. Comments ranged from criticism of the ceremony's lack of creativity and perceived low budget to bewilderment at IShowSpeed's prominent role. Some noted the lip-syncing quality of other performances, while others found the streamer's appearance "random" and "unreal."
Tom Cruise, who had been rumored to be a headliner, did not appear during the initial ceremony. His specific role had been teased as a "special appearance," but he was not visible prior to kickoff. Cruise was later seen entering the stadium.
Pre-game Chaos and Security Concerns
The closing ceremony occurred amidst a morning of significant disarray for fans attempting to enter the 80,000-seat MetLife Stadium. Thousands of attendees faced lengthy queues and delays, attributed to a combination of airport-style security measures for President Donald Trump's attendance and reported glitches in FIFA's ticket-scanning system. Some fans reported being misdirected by staff, exacerbating the delays.
Media members also underwent additional security checks. The chaotic entry process contrasted with the smoother arrivals of soccer legends like Ronaldo, John Terry, and Diego Simeone, as well as VIPs including Tom Cruise.
The World Cup final was set to be the most expensive sporting event to attend, with resale tickets initially priced around $7,000.
Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup's chief operating officer, had previously stated that the closing ceremony would "bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football." The event was also meant to preview the tournament's halftime show, which was advertised to feature artists such as Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber.