American YouTube sensation and streamer Darren Watkins Jr., widely known as IShowSpeed, delivered one of the standout moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by performing his hit song Champions during the tournament’s closing ceremony.
The internet personality took to the stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ahead of the World Cup final, energising thousands of supporters with a lively performance that celebrated football’s global appeal. The appearance marked another milestone in IShowSpeed’s growing relationship with the sport, having become one of football’s most recognisable online influencers in recent years.
His performance of World Cup (Champions), a song released as part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 music project, drew loud cheers from fans inside the stadium and millions of viewers watching around the world. The track, inspired by football’s biggest competition, has gained significant popularity since its release and has become closely associated with the tournament.
The closing ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of international entertainers, reflecting FIFA’s effort to blend football with global music and popular culture. IShowSpeed shared the stage with renowned artists including Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise also made a special appearance during the celebrations. Jennifer Hudson performed the United States national anthem before kickoff.
IShowSpeed’s inclusion in the ceremony highlighted his meteoric rise from gaming content creator to one of the world’s most influential digital personalities. Known for his passionate support of football and frequent appearances at major matches, the 21-year-old has built a massive global audience through his energetic livestreams and interactions with some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Speaking ahead of the event, IShowSpeed revealed that FIFA had personally invited him to perform after hearing his song. He admitted he initially thought the invitation was a prank before realising it was genuine, describing the opportunity as one of the biggest achievements of his career.
The ceremony formed part of an expanded entertainment programme for the 2026 World Cup final, with FIFA introducing a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in the tournament’s history. The initiative was designed to enhance the spectacle of the world’s biggest football event while celebrating music, culture and international unity.
As fans filled the stadium ahead of kickoff, IShowSpeed’s energetic performance helped create a festive atmosphere, adding another memorable chapter to a World Cup that showcased not only elite football but also world-class entertainment.
