Robbie Williams clears viral World Cup 2026 interview mishap, denies cocaine rumors

British pop star Robbie Williams performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony in New Jersey and then joined a live post‑match interview on Germany’s MagentaTV. During the interview a small white object fell from his mouth onto the microphone, prompting rapid speculation on social media that it might have been cocaine, a reference to the singer’s past substance‑abuse issues.

Williams addressed the rumors in an Instagram video, apologising for the “unprofessional” moment and revealing the object to be a mint‑flavored lozenge. He joked, “It’s okay, I have several more,” and showed two mint candies on his tongue. The clip quickly went viral, with outlets in German, English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Polish, Hungarian and other languages reporting the incident and Williams’s humorous clarification.

In the same interview, Williams also commented on England’s psychological problems at the tournament and criticised the English press’s treatment of national coach Thomas Tuchel, but the main focus of the coverage remained the viral mishap and his denial of any drug use.