The countdown to the 2026 World Cup final is officially on, and Fifa has revealed more details about what fans can expect from the tournament’s star-studded closing ceremony.
The closing ceremony, set for Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, will celebrate what has been the largest Fifa World Cup in history.
The 2026 edition saw 48 nations compete across three host countries, Canada, Mexico and the United States.
According to Fifa, the pre-match spectacle will bring together football, music and entertainment as the month-long tournament comes to an end.
Among the big names confirmed for the show are Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop stars Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Robbie Williams, as well as popular streamer IShowSpeed, who has become one of the internet’s biggest personalities and a familiar face throughout the tournament.
Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson has also been confirmed to perform the United States national anthem ahead of kick-off.
The ceremony is expected to reflect the same energy as the tournament’s opening celebrations, taking fans on one final journey through the cultures, music and football moments that defined the World Cup before the new champions are crowned.
“Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the Fifa World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” said Heimo Schirgi, Fifa World Cup 2026 chief operating officer.
The final will bring the curtain down on what has been a historic tournament, not only because of its expanded format but also for the entertainment that has accompanied football throughout the competition.
The closing ceremony isn’t the only star-powered spectacle fans can look forward to.
Earlier, Fifa also confirmed plans for the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, with Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Madonna, Shakira and BTS among the global artists set to perform during the historic 11-minute production.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the halftime show will also support the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world.
