Tom Cruise delivers stirring World Cup closing ceremony speech

NEW YORK: Hollywood star Tom Cruise delivered an emotional speech at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony before the final between Spain and Argentina here at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, praising football's ability to bring people together across the world.

Cruise reflected on the journey of the tournament, which began with 48 nations before reaching its final showdown between Spain and Argentina.

He pronounced the names of both finalists in Spanish, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

The actor described football as a sport that crosses borders and unites people from different cultures.

"Football is a language spoken without words," Cruise said.

"A force that unites people. A force that turns strangers into friends and reminds us of what we all have in common."

His speech celebrated the global spirit of the World Cup and the shared passion the tournament creates among fans regardless of nationality.

Cruise ended his appearance by urging supporters to celebrate the success of the competition and the unity it had inspired over the past month.

"Let's celebrate a tournament that brought the world together," he said.

He concluded with a message that was met with loud applause from the crowd.

"This is football," Cruise said. "This is unity. And this is greatness."

The brief appearance formed part of the closing ceremony ahead of kick-off, as FIFA brought together entertainment and football to mark the end of the expanded 48-team World Cup before Spain and Argentina contested the tournament's showpiece final.