World Cup fans left scratching their heads after closing ceremony with US national anthem
World Cup fans left scratching their heads after closing ceremony with US national anthem
Rory Robinson Sun, July 19, 2026 at 8:35 PM UTC
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Jennifer Hudson performed the U.S. national anthem before the World Cup final kicked off (Image: Elsa, Getty Images)
Jennifer Hudson's national anthem rendition at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final briefly dominated discussion before Argentina and Spain's kickoff, following a contentious pre-match concert featuring iShowSpeed, Post Malone, and others. Hudson performed The Star-Spangled Banner at MetLife Stadium and received prominent billing for the World Cup appearance alongside Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, despite Team USA's earlier elimination by Belgium in the Round of 16.
The Grammy-winning artist and EGOT holder dressed entirely in white with a patriotic ribbon as she performed before the capacity crowd. Supporters familiar with Hudson's gospel and R&B background praised the performance, though some critics felt her interpretation was overly measured.
World Cup purists questioned why the American anthem was played before a final without U.S. participation, despite the nation's role as tournament host. It comes as Lionel Messi dropped a retirement hint before the World Cup final.
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Admirers of Hudson's talent described it as "breathtaking" on X. One user posted, "Wow Hudson can sing, national anthem became a whole musical," while another declared, "Jennifer Hudson, you are HER."
A third supporter observed, "Jennifer Hudson is a great singer but their team ain't in the final." Another World Cup viewer remarked, "Trump jinxed Team USA out of the tournament but they still get their song."
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Earlier this week, Hudson performed America the Beautiful at the MLB All-Star Game (Image: undefined)
Hudson was selected for this prestigious honor after rising to fame in 2004 as a standout contestant on Season 3 of American Idol. The World Cup final was far from her first major stage, and she delivered the performance without any visible signs of pressure.
The celebrated Spotlight singer performed The Star-Spangled Banner at the 2008 Democratic National Convention following a personal request from Barack Obama. Just five days prior, she performed America the Beautiful at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Hudson garnered widespread praise after delivering the national anthem ahead of Super Bowl XLIII in 2009. Her career took off two years earlier when she portrayed Effie White in Dreamgirls, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her careful selection for this coveted role came on the back of a string of high-profile anthem performances, which have not always been judged on vocal merit alone.
KELS faced a social media backlash during the NBA Finals after a blues-inspired rendition drew unfavorable comparisons to Fergie, while Brandy divided NBA All-Star audiences with a bold and unconventional arrangement.
Charlie Puth's pop-infused rendition of the anthem polarized Super Bowl LX viewers, while Ally Brooke of Fifth Harmony was ridiculed for "murdering the anthem" ahead of Anthony Joshua's knockout victory over Jake Paul.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
