FIFA Announces Tom Cruise and Stars for 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony
FIFA revealed the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony lineup, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 90 minutes before the final. Performers include Tom Cruise (special appearance), Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. The event, co-created with Balich Wonder Studio, celebrates the 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, and will also feature a first-ever halftime show.
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11 Must-See Celebrity Moments You Might Have Missed From The 2026 World Cup Final
The 2026 World Cup final, held in the United States, saw Spain defeat Argentina in a tense match. Beyond the football, the event featured numerous celebrity moments. Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem. A trio of Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini performed next. Tom Cruise gave an inspirational speech to warm up the crowd. The halftime show, which received a lukewarm reception, was opened by Madonna with a pre-recorded performance featuring cameos from football icons like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Wayne Rooney, as well as The Muppets. The article lists 11 such celebrity moments from the final.
11 Must-See Celebrity Moments You Might Have Missed From The 2026 World Cup Final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held in the United States, saw Spain defeat Argentina in a tense match. Beyond the football, the event featured numerous celebrity moments. Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem. A trio of Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini performed together. Tom Cruise gave an inspirational pre-game speech. The halftime show, which received a lukewarm reception, was opened by Madonna with a pre-recorded performance featuring cameos from football icons like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Wayne Rooney, as well as The Muppets. The article lists 11 such celebrity moments from the final.
Superstar Gathering at 2026 World Cup Final: Celebrities Flock to Spain vs. Argentina
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium became a major celebrity hotspot, drawing actors, musicians, athletes, and heads of state. The pre-match show featured Kate Hudson singing the US national anthem, followed by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams performing the FIFA anthem 'Desire.' Robbie Williams appeared in a glittering tracksuit with wind-tousled gray hair, sparking curiosity. The halftime show was expected to include Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira. Notable attendees included US President Donald Trump, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Julia Garner, NBA champion Jalen Brunson, ski star Lindsey Vonn, and Spanish King Felipe VI with Queen Letizia. Magenta expert Mats Hummels criticized the playback quality of the pre-match performance, hoping the game would be better.
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2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show and Closing Ceremony Live Updates
This live blog from AS Football covers the closing ceremony and halftime show of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, held in New York. Key events include Spanish Brass performing the Spanish anthem, Argentine artist María Becerra singing the Argentine anthem, and Jennifer Hudson performing the US anthem. Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and Nicole Scherzinger performed the official FIFA anthem 'Desire.' Andrés Iniesta presented the World Cup trophy in a Louis Vuitton briefcase alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Celebrity appearances include Wanda Nara, Tini (Rodrigo de Paul's partner), and Chanel (Spain's Eurovision 2022 representative). The halftime show features major artists such as Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS. The match is being played at MetLife Stadium.
Read sourceIShowSpeed Kicks Off 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony with Star-Studded Lineup
The 2026 World Cup closing ceremony in New York New Jersey Stadium began with a performance by streamer IShowSpeed, joined by drummers and dancers. Over 80,000 attendees, including celebrities and dignitaries, are expected for the final between Spain and Argentina. The pre-match entertainment will feature actor Tom Cruise and singers Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and Nicole Scherzinger. A Super-Bowl-style half-time show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will include Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS. Madonna will perform following her new album 'Confessions II', while BTS returns from a three-year hiatus. Shakira and Burna Boy will perform their hit 'Dai Dai'. The 11-minute performance aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, targeting $100 million for children worldwide.
Read sourceInternet Giant IShowSpeed Opens World Cup Final Party in New York
On July 19, 2026, ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York, internet star IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) performed the official World Cup song 'World Cup (Champions)' at the closing ceremony. The 21-year-old streamer, who has over 111 million followers across platforms, is known for his chaotic live streams and passion for Cristiano Ronaldo. The ceremony also featured performances by Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who sang the US national anthem. The show, produced by Balich Wonder Studio, marked the conclusion of the largest World Cup ever, with 48 nations participating.
Post Malone to Headline FIFA World Cup Final Closing Ceremony
Forbes reports that Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony for the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The ceremony begins at 1:30 PM ET before the championship match between Argentina and Spain at 3:30 PM ET. The event features a star-studded lineup including Justin Bieber co-headlining the first-ever official FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Additional performers include Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and Robbie Williams, with appearances by Tom Cruise and YouTube influencer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will sing the national anthem. FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized the ceremony's role in uniting football and entertainment on a global stage.
Tom Cruise to Make Special Appearance at 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony
Actor Tom Cruise will make a 'special appearance' at the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York, 90 minutes before the final match between Spain and either England or Argentina. The ceremony, starting at 1:30 PM local time, will feature a star-studded lineup including Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed, and Jennifer Hudson performing the US national anthem. A halftime show will include Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Coldplay's Chris Martin, who has been preparing for over a year. Cruise previously rappelled from the Stade de France roof during the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony. FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it 'a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup.'
Read source2026 World Cup: More Details Emerge About the Closing Ceremony
FIFA has released initial details for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled for July 19 at the New York–New Jersey Stadium, just before the final match. The ceremony is described as 'worthy of a historic edition' and will celebrate the journey of the 48 competing teams from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, blending football, music, and culture. Announced performers include Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, IShowSpeed, and a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will perform the American national anthem. FIFA also promises active fan participation and additional surprise guests to be revealed in the coming days.
Read sourceFIFA unveils A-list performers for World Cup final closing ceremony
FIFA announced on Tuesday the six celebrities who will perform at the closing ceremony of the men's World Cup final on Sunday. The lineup includes singers Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams, as well as streamer IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.). The performances will take place prior to the match kickoff at MetLife Stadium. The ceremony marks the culmination of the tournament, featuring a mix of international music stars and a popular online personality to entertain the global audience before the championship match.
Tom Cruise among performers set for World Cup 2026 closing ceremony
FIFA announced the lineup for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, to be held 90 minutes before the final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The ceremony will feature actor Tom Cruise in a 'special appearance', alongside performers including Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. The event will also include the tournament's first-ever half-time show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, featuring Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. The ceremony is produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, led by Marco Balich, who orchestrated the 2022 World Cup ceremonies in Qatar. FIFA encouraged ticketholders to arrive early, noting fans will have an active role in the show.
Read source2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony Details Announced; Multiple World Stars to Perform
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, is nearing its conclusion. Organizers announced that the closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium will feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and YouTuber IShowSpeed, with Tom Cruise making a guest appearance. Jennifer Hudson will sing the US national anthem. For the first time, a halftime show will occur during the final, featuring Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay, and a New York elementary school choir, joining previously announced acts Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. In other news, FIFA President Infantino faces criticism over alleged interference by US President Donald Trump in the lifting of Folarin Balogun's red card suspension. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff met to discuss terminating Jürgen Klopp's contract to allow him to become German national team coach. Additionally, Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his career in the World Cup semifinal.
Read source2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony to Feature Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams
FIFA has announced details for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium before the final. The event, described as 'worthy of a historic edition,' will feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, with a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem. The ceremony aims to create a 'festive atmosphere' celebrating the 48-team tournament hosted across 16 cities in three countries. Doors open at 11 a.m. local time, with the ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. and the final kickoff at 3 p.m. FIFA advises spectators to arrive early.
Read sourceFIFA Announces Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, and Other Superstars for World Cup Closing Ceremony
FIFA has officially released details for the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled for July 20 at 1:30 AM Beijing time (90 minutes before the final match) at New York New Jersey Stadium. The ceremony will feature performances by global superstars including Tom Cruise (special appearance), Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed. EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson will perform the American national anthem before the final. The event, co-created with Balich Wonder Studio, celebrates the historic 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Stadium gates open at 11:00 PM on July 19 for pre-show activities. More guests are expected to be announced.
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