FIFA has unveiled the first wave of performers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony, confirming that Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and IShowSpeed will headline the pre-match celebration before the tournament final on July 19. The ceremony will take place at New York New Jersey Stadium, setting the stage for the championship match that concludes the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
Scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. local time—90 minutes before kick-off—the production will celebrate the journey of all 48 participating nations across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the event promises a mix of music, entertainment and football, with additional performers and special guests expected to be announced in the coming days.
Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before the final, adding another marquee moment to the afternoon. The EGOT-winning singer’s appearance comes alongside performances from Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and IShowSpeed, while Tom Cruise is also set to make a special appearance during the ceremony.
According to FIFA, fans attending the final are encouraged to arrive early, with stadium gates opening at 11 a.m. local time. Exclusive fan activations, entertainment and interactive experiences will take place before the closing ceremony officially begins.
The announcement builds on FIFA’s growing investment in large-scale live entertainment throughout the tournament. Earlier this month, organizers revealed that Justin Bieber will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Coldplay. Curated by Chris Martin, the halftime performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Music has remained central to the tournament from its opening days. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony featured performances from Katy Perry, LISA, Tyla, Future, Anitta and Rema, while Shakira’s official tournament anthem “Dai Dai” quickly became one of the defining songs of the competition.
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