IShowSpeed, Post Malone Draw Lip-Sync Backlash at 2026 World Cup Final
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 20
IShowSpeed, Post Malone Draw Lip-Sync Backlash at 2026 World Cup Final
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 20
Summary
Social media users accused IShowSpeed, 21, and Post Malone, 31, of lip-syncing during the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium before Sunday's Argentina-Spain final.
Viewers said Speed's vocals on “World Cup (Champions)” sounded prerecorded, while Post Malone and guest Swae Lee also drew criticism for what users called an unconvincing mimed performance.
The ceremony opened shortly after 1:30 p.m. Eastern with dancers, pyrotechnics and a marching band, and also featured Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Jennifer Hudson and Tom Cruise.
Speed later called the appearance an “unbelievable experience” on his livestream, saying nerves were so intense he “couldn't even move” his legs at one point.
The backlash landed just before FIFA's first full World Cup halftime show—an 11-minute set headlined by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS.