FIFA has unveiled an extraordinary entertainment lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony, featuring Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise alongside global music icons Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and numerous other performers. The pre-match celebration will honour the tournament’s historic 48-team edition at New York New Jersey Stadium before the world champions are crowned.According to FIFA’s announcement, the closing ceremony will showcase a blend of music, culture and entertainment designed to celebrate the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. The event will take place approximately 90 minutes before the final begins on Monday, July 20 (IST). The creative team behind the ceremony has designed the spectacle to reflect the month-long tournament’s journey across three nations through music, storytelling and cultural celebration.
The closing ceremony performers and national anthem
Tom Cruise will make a special appearance during the pre-match event, joining an impressive roster of global music stars. Jennifer Hudson, an Academy Award-winning singer, will perform the United States national anthem before kick-off. Additional performers confirmed for the closing ceremony include Robbie Williams, Italian recording artist Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, and internet sensation IShowSpeed, who will perform during the pre-match spectacle.The production has been created by the creative force behind several iconic international sporting ceremonies, designed to deliver a visually spectacular experience. FIFA has indicated that additional surprise guests and performers could be announced in the lead-up to the final.
Vision for the ceremony
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi articulated the purpose behind the ceremonial celebration. The ceremony has been created to bring the tournament “full circle through music, culture and football” before the final kicks off, representing a comprehensive conclusion to the month-long competition before determining the world champions.With a record-breaking 48-team tournament reaching its conclusion, the closing ceremony aims to match the scale and ambition of the competition itself, setting the stage for one final celebration of football, music and global culture before the FIFA World Cup trophy is lifted.
Separate halftime show features additional superstars
Beyond the closing ceremony, FIFA will stage a separate star-studded halftime show during the World Cup final, marking the tournament’s first-ever official halftime entertainment inspired by the Super Bowl format. Global music icons BTS, Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber are set to headline the historic 11-minute performance. The halftime spectacle will also feature Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a Grammy-nominated choir performing alongside Coldplay.
BTS, Madonna and Shakira are among the global superstars set to perform during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final’s first-ever official halftime show.Image credit (Instagram)
The halftime show has been produced in partnership with a global advocacy organisation and Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey, who have been working with FIFA to curate the artist lineup. The performance will combine music, culture and football, uniting some of the world’s biggest entertainers for a landmark moment in FIFA World Cup history.
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