Robbie Williams was performing at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. and the former Take That star replicated Chelsea's Cole Palmer's famous celebration
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter and Richard Cusack Sport Content Editor
18:28, 05 Dec 2025
Robbie Williams performs on stage
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Robbie Williams pulled out Cole Palmer's celebration at the World Cup draw(Image: X / BBC)
Robbie Williams channelled Cole Palmer's iconic 'Cold' celebration while taking to the stage at the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony.
The pop sensation was performing at the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington D. C., with the tournament set to take place across the United States of America, Canada and Mexico. The Stoke-on-Trent former Take That star shared the spotlight with Nicole Scherzinger during a glittering ceremony hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum and funnyman Kevin Hart, with USA president Donald Trump also present.
Williams belted out FIFA's official anthem, Desire, alongside Scherzinger. The Village People were lined up to deliver their legendary YMCA hit following the draw's conclusion. During his performance, Williams hit Palmer's iconic 'cold' celebration - which the Chelsea star, recently back from injury, has trademarked - sending a clear message to the former Manchester City ace.
Robbie Williams during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
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Robbie Williams performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw(Image: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Williams' performance was just a small part of a marathon event at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center, with the ceremony also witnessing the inaugural presentation of FIFA's 'Peace Prize', reports the Mirror. Trump received the honour, which reportedly celebrates 'exceptional contributions to peace and unity'.
"This is truly one of the great honours of my life," Trump declared. "We have saved millions of live, the Congo is an example. We have been able to end so many wars, some even before they started. It is such an honour to be with Gianni, who I have known for so long."
As for the football itself, England and Scotland had both secured their places in the draw after qualifying for the World Cup, while Wales face a crucial play-off battle in March. Prior to the draw, former Three Lions manager Sir Gareth Southgate shared his thoughts on what would constitute a nightmare scenario for his old team.
Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger perform during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw
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Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger performed during the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
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He recommended that England would be wise to steer clear of matches against Colombia, Japan or Scotland. "If you're thinking about the amount of Colombians that will go to those games in the States or Mexico, what an atmosphere that will be," he said.
He also outlined his intentions for the World Cup and any potential broadcasting duties. "I'm not going to do any media during the tournament," he declared.
"I think I've got to give them space. My role now is to keep out of the way!"