FIFA disclosed the lineup for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, featuring Tom Cruise’s special appearance alongside global music stars. The event in New York‑New Jersey Stadium will celebrate 48 nations before the final showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Cruise will make a special appearance at the closing ceremony on July 19 in New York‑New Jersey Stadium
- International acts including Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed will perform
- Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem, and fans will enjoy interactive experiences before kickoff
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will culminate with a star‑studded closing ceremony on Sunday, July 19 (Monday, July 20 IST) at the New York‑New Jersey Stadium. This marks the conclusion of the first ever three‑nation tournament—hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States—featuring an expanded field of 48 teams. The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM local time (11 PM IST), will blend music, culture and football to honor the journey of every participating nation.
Star‑Powered Line‑up
Music will dominate the pre‑final moments. Italian vocalist Laura Pausini, former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger, British pop legend Robbie Williams and internet sensation IShowSpeed are slated to perform. Hollywood icon Tom Cruise will also make a special appearance, adding cinematic flair to the festivities.
National Anthem and Additional Attractions
Academy Award‑winning singer‑actress Jennifer Hudson will deliver the United States national anthem, bringing Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony accolades to the stage. Stadium gates will open at 11 AM local time (8:30 PM IST), allowing fans to partake in interactive fan zones, exclusive activations and reward programmes before the ceremony kicks off.
Production Partnerships
The event is being produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, the creative house behind many high‑profile international sporting spectacles. FIFA confirmed that additional performers and surprise guests will be announced in the run‑up to the final, ensuring a crescendo of excitement.
Road to the Final
Four semi‑finalists—France, Spain, England and Argentina—will battle for a place in the final. France faces Spain on Wednesday, while Argentina meets England on Thursday. The closing ceremony will echo the spirit of the opening events that welcomed the world to North America, completing the tournament’s narrative through music, culture and sport.