The 2026 World Cup concluded with a high-profile closing ceremony that mirrored the production scale of the Super Bowl, headlined by an extended 27-minute and 20-second halftime show. Laura Pausini drew significant attention during the event, appearing in a crystal-encrusted blue gown that is Italian.
Production Scale and the 27-Minute Halftime Show
The 2026 tournament organizers implemented a significant departure from traditional closing ceremony formats by extending the interval between halves to 27 minutes and 20 seconds. This duration, for the first time in history, was modeled after the high-production halftime shows typically associated with the NFL’s Super Bowl.
Wayne Rooney, among others, expressed dissatisfaction with the format, characterizing the production as “a piece of rubbish” (una schifezza), stating the best part was when it ended.
Fashion and Performance at the Closing Ceremony
Laura Pausini’s appearance served as a focal point for the ceremony’s aesthetics. Her choice of attire—a shimmering blue gown heavily embellished with crystals—was widely noted for being Italian. The look was consistent with the event’s emphasis on celebrity involvement, which included performances by Shakira, Justin Bieber, and Maria Becerra.
The Impact of Entertainment on Tournament Tradition
For official updates regarding the 2026 tournament records and future planning, fans can continue to monitor statements from FIFA and official tournament stakeholders.
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