World Cup closing ceremony performers called out for ‘absolutely embarrassing’ detail

EntertainmentSports
20 Jul 2026 • 3:55 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

World Cup closing ceremony performers called out for ‘absolutely embarrassing’ detail

  • YouTube streamer IShowSpeed and singer Post Malone received significant criticism on social media following their performances at the 2026 Fifa World Cup closing ceremony in Metlife Stadium, New Jersey.
  • Many viewers accused both artists of lip-syncing during their sets, with comments on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the perceived lack of live vocals.
  • IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., performed his hit song 'World Cup (Champions)', while Post Malone debuted a new track 'Chrome Heartbreaker' and was joined by Swae Lee for 'Sunflower'.
  • Despite the backlash, IShowSpeed later described the experience on his livestream as 'unbelievable' and admitted to being 'dumb nervous' during the performance.
  • The closing ceremony also featured appearances from Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Jennifer Hudson, and Tom Cruise, with a separate star-studded halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS scheduled for the final.

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