Overview
- FIFA confirmed the Village People will perform “Y.M.C.A.” to close the 2026 World Cup Final Draw on Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- The San Francisco Chronicle reports the venue is now chaired by President Donald Trump, who has said he plans to be “involved,” though organizers have not detailed how.
- The song’s prominent use at Trump events has fueled scrutiny of the booking, while frontman Victor Willis has urged that the anthem be treated as apolitical.
- Friday’s program also features Andrea Bocelli and a Robbie Williams–Nicole Scherzinger duet, with Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez hosting.
- Reports describe an allegedly free Kennedy Center hosting arrangement and suggest Gianni Infantino has hinted at a FIFA Peace Prize for Trump, which remain unconfirmed.