Robbie Williams has shared a new version of FIFA’s official anthem “Desire” ahead of the World Cup final, which will see him join forces with Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini.
Last summer, the singer was confirmed as the official music ambassador for the world football governing body, and soon after he released a single with Laura Pausini as FIFA’s first-ever official anthem.
They first performed the song live together last July before a match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Later that year, Williams performed it again at the final draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performing it as a duet with Scherzinger.
Now, ahead of his performance at the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, Williams has released a brand new version of the track. While the original version featured just Williams and Pausini, the new version brings them both together with the Pussycat Dolls singer, each sharing vocal duties and harmonizing on the heartfelt chorus.
The three are set to perform the song together for the first time at the closing ceremony on Sunday (July 19).
The ceremony, which can be watched in the UK on BBC One, will take place at the New York Stadium in New Jersey shortly before the start of Spain’s match against Argentina. The ceremony will also be attended by Post Malone, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson, with a television audience expected to be around two billion people worldwide.
It was Shakira and Burna Boy who helped kick off the opening ceremony last month with a rendition of “Dai Dai.” Other performers included Future, Katy Perry, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette and Ellie Goulding. The latter featured in England’s quarter-final match against Norway and eventually achieved a 2–1 victory.
As well as the closing ceremony on Sunday, the World Cup final will also feature the first ever half-time show. Hosted by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the set will follow the same structure as the Super Bowl and will include performances from Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
The event supports FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which is trying to raise $100 million (£74.5 million) to increase children’s access to education and football around the world.
However, the inclusion of “The Halftime Show” caused controversy among fans, and The Cure’s Robert Smith was among those to criticize it, sharing the post on Instagram with the hashtag “#pleasejustfuckoff” and later sharing his opinion on the idea of Donald Trump giving the trophy to the winning team.
Ahead of the final against Spain and Argentina on Sunday, England will face France tomorrow (Saturday 18 July) in the battle for third place.
As for Williams, his football involvement extends beyond the FIFA anthem and last month it was confirmed that he had become an ambassador for the Foundation and an official partner of Port Vale FC.
The pop icon is a lifelong supporter of the football team and has signed a two-year partnership with them, both in the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons his ‘RW’ badge will be featured on the front of their home and away shirts.