The biggest FIFA World Cup in history deserves a finale to match, and FIFA is pulling out all the stops before a ball is even kicked in the final. From Hollywood royalty to global music stars and one of YouTube’s biggest personalities, the closing ceremony promises to be every bit as spectacular as the football itself.
Set to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday (Monday, July 20 IST), the ceremony will bring the curtain down on a month-long football festival spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Celebrating the journey of all 48 nations that featured in the tournament, FIFA has lined up an entertainment extravaganza before the world champions are crowned.
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Hollywood icon Tom Cruise will make a special appearance, while Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and internet sensation IShowSpeed will perform during the pre-match show. Academy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will also perform the United States national anthem before kick-off.
Produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, the creative minds behind several iconic global sporting ceremonies, the show aims to celebrate the passion, emotion and cultural diversity that have defined the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. FIFA has also hinted that more performers and surprise guests could be unveiled closer to the final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the ceremony would bring the tournament “full circle through music, culture and football” before the biggest match in world football gets underway.
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Football’s grand finale will be accompanied by an equally impressive cast from the worlds of music, film and entertainment.
The confirmed line-up includes:
- Tom Cruise (Special appearance)
- Jennifer Hudson (United States national anthem)
- Robbie Williams
- Laura Pausini
- Nicole Scherzinger
- IShowSpeed
The ceremony is scheduled to begin 90 minutes before kick-off, with FIFA promising a celebration that reflects the scale of the tournament, which expanded to 48 teams and was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
More artists and special guests are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the final.
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Only four teams remain in the race for football’s biggest prize, with two mouth-watering semi-finals set to decide who walks out for the World Cup final.
The first semi-final pits France against Spain on Tuesday, July 15 (IST). It is a clash worthy of a final in itself, with Kylian Mbappe’s France taking on a Spain side led by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. France booked their place in the last four after beating Morocco 2-0, while Spain edged Belgium 2-1 thanks to yet another decisive late strike from Mikel Merino.
The second semi-final will see Argentina face England on Wednesday, July 16 (IST). Defending champions Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, fought back dramatically against Egypt before easing past Switzerland in the quarter-finals. England, meanwhile, have negotiated tricky knockout ties against Mexico and Norway to continue their quest for a first World Cup title since 1966.
The winners of those two blockbuster clashes will meet at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19 (Monday, July 20 IST) to battle for the FIFA World Cup trophy, bringing an unforgettable tournament to its grand conclusion.
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