IShowSpeed has made history as the first streamer to perform at a FIFA World Cup, taking the stage at the tournament’s closing ceremony in front of more than 82,000 fans at New York New Jersey Stadium. The 21-year-old YouTube sensation performed his viral hit “Champions” just hours before Spain and Argentina faced off in the final.
Speed’s journey to the World Cup stage began when FIFA reached out to secure the rights to his track after it exploded online. The song was officially added to the 18-track FIFA World Cup 2026 album, alongside global artists including Shakira, Burna Boy, LISA, Rema, and The Rolling Stones. “They told me they heard the song and wanted me to perform at the World Cup final,” Speed shared during a livestream. “At first I thought it was a prank call”.
The performance marks a milestone for the creator economy, with Speed becoming the first content creator ever to take the stage at a World Cup final ceremony. The track has amassed over 90 million YouTube views, becoming one of the tournament’s biggest football anthems alongside Shakira’s official contribution.
Speed shared the stage with an all-star lineup including Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and a special appearance by Tom Cruise. The closing ceremony kicked off at 1:30 PM local time, 90 minutes before kickoff, with Jennifer Hudson performing the U.S. national anthem. The production was handled by Balich Wonder Studio, the same team behind the 2022 World Cup ceremonies.
Known to his 57 million YouTube subscribers for his high-energy personality and obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, Speed has built a massive platform that bridges internet culture and mainstream sports. His World Cup performance also carried personal significance, the streamer was granted Ghanaian citizenship earlier this year and was named Berima Kofi Akuffo after his African tour. His music video prominently featured Ghana’s flag, reflecting his embrace of the culture.
“I think out of everything I’ve done, performing at the World Cup final is probably one of my most craziest achievements,” he told viewers. For FIFA, his inclusion signals a deliberate push to capture younger, digitally native audiences through sports. One fan captured the moment perfectly: “From making World Cup reactions to actually landing a song on the official FIFA World Cup album, that’s a crazy full circle moment”.
