Robbie Williams Drops New Version of the FIFA Anthem "Desire" for the World Cup Final

What Is Happening?

Imagine the biggest football (soccer) party on Earth — the World Cup final. Now picture a special song made just for that party. That song is called "Desire," and it’s the official anthem for FIFA (the big group that runs football around the world).

Singer Robbie Williams just released a brand-new version of this song. He made it with two other singers:

• Nicole Scherzinger (she was the lead singer of a girl group called the Pussycat Dolls)
• Laura Pausini (a singer from Italy)

They will all sing this new version live on Sunday at the World Cup final’s closing ceremony.

How Did "Desire" Start?

Let’s go back a bit so it’s easy to follow:

• Last year, Robbie Williams was chosen as the official music ambassador for FIFA (like being the main music helper for football’s world boss).
• Soon after, he released "Desire" with Laura Pausini. It was the first ever official FIFA anthem.
• They sang it live together for the first time last July, before a football match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in a big stadium in New Jersey (called MetLife Stadium).
• Later that year, Robbie sang "Desire" again at the event where they picked the teams for the 2026 World Cup (called the “final draw”), this time as a duet with Nicole Scherzinger.

Important Point: The original "Desire" had only Robbie and Laura. The new version adds Nicole, and all three share the singing and blend their voices on the emotional chorus.

The New Version and the Big Show

Here’s what’s happening next:

• Robbie released the new "Desire" ahead of his performance at the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Cup.
• The ceremony is on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, just before the final match: Spain vs. Argentina.
• The three singers will debut (perform for the first time) the new live version together there.
• Other famous people performing at the ceremony include:
  • Post Malone
  • Tom Cruise
  • Jennifer Hudson
• Around two billion people (that’s 2,000,000,000!) are expected to watch on TV worldwide.

More Cool Stuff at the Final

The World Cup final will also have its first ever Halftime Show (a big show in the middle of the game, like at the Super Bowl).

• It is organized by Chris Martin, from the band Coldplay.
• It will follow the same style as the Super Bowl halftime show.
• Performers include:
  1. Justin Bieber
  2. Madonna
  3. Shakira
  4. BTS
• This event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which wants to raise $100 million to help kids everywhere get better access to education and football.

Robbie’s Love for Football Goes Further

Robbie doesn’t just sing for FIFA. He also loves a small pro football club in England called Port Vale FC.

• Last month, he became the foundation ambassador and official front-of-shirt partner for Port Vale.
• He has been a fan of this team his whole life.
• He signed a two-year deal with them.
• His “RW” logo will appear on the front of their home and away shirts in the:
  • 2026/27 season
  • 2027/28 season

(Pictures in the original story are courtesy of Getty Images.)

Summary

Robbie Williams made a new version of the official FIFA anthem "Desire" with Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini. They will sing it live at the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony before Spain plays Argentina. The final also has a huge halftime show to help raise money for children’s education and football. Beyond FIFA, Robbie is now partnered with his beloved Port Vale FC for two years.

FAQ

Q1: What is the official FIFA anthem called?
A1: It is called "Desire," and it was first released by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini.

Q2: Who sings on the new version of "Desire"?
A2: Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini all share vocals on the new version.

Q3: When and where will the new song be performed live?
A3: On Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, during the closing ceremony before the World Cup final (Spain vs. Argentina).

Q4: What is special about the World Cup final halftime show?
A4: It’s the first ever, organized by Chris Martin, with Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, supporting a $100 million education fund.

Q5: How is Robbie Williams connected to Port Vale FC?
A5: He is a lifelong fan and became their ambassador and shirt partner for two years, with his “RW” mark on their shirts in 2026/27 and 2027/28.