The 2026 FIFA World Cup started with 48 teams and months of soccer across three countries. Now it comes down to one match, one day and one stage that the whole world will be watching.
The final is set for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey. And for the first time in World Cup history, the championship match will include a halftime show, produced in partnership with Global Citizen.
FIFA has also confirmed a fan celebration in Times Square throughout finals weekend, building the occasion well beyond just the 90 minutes on the pitch.
World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony Lineup
The closing ceremony is built to complement the final, the trophy lift and the biggest global television audience of the entire tournament.
According to reporter Ben Jacobs, the confirmed performers for the closing ceremony are Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed.
Before any of that, Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem ahead of kickoff. The Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner is set to open the biggest match of the tournament, giving the occasion the kind of sendoff it deserves.
According to FIFA, the pregame show is designed to celebrate the journey of all 48 teams that competed across 16 host cities.
IShowSpeed, the popular streamer who attended and broadcast several matches during the tournament, is among those taking the stage.
Tom Cruise is set for a special appearance as well, following his visible presence at several World Cup games and his role in the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
Rounding out the lineup are Italian singer Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame and British singer Robbie Williams, best known for his time with Take That.
With the performer lineup locked in alongside the first halftime show in World Cup final history, July 19 is shaping up to be something well beyond a soccer match.
