The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a star-studded closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, celebrating what FIFA describes as the largest sporting event in history.
Held before the final match, the ceremony will honour the journey of the 48 participating teams across the tournament’s three host nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States and 16 Host Cities.
Global Entertainment Takes Centre Stage
The pre-match spectacle will feature performances from international music stars Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise will make a special appearance.
Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem ahead of kick-off, setting the stage for football’s biggest match.
Produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony is designed to celebrate the passion, diversity and global unity that have defined the expanded 48-team tournament.
FIFA says the event will bring together music, culture and football while reflecting on a competition that has broken attendance and participation records and inspired a new generation of young footballers around the world.
FIFA Promises a Fitting Finale
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the closing ceremony would complete the tournament’s journey after the opening celebrations held across the three host countries.
“Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” Schirgi said.
Fans attending the final have been encouraged to arrive early, with FIFA promising an interactive stadium experience that will allow supporters to play an active role during the celebrations.
The governing body has also indicated that additional performers and special guests will be announced before the event.
Historic Half-Time Show Planned
Attention will also shift to the half-time entertainment, where FIFA is set to stage its first-ever Super Bowl-style show during a World Cup final.
Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS are expected to co-headline the 11-minute performance, with the interval likely to last between 20 and 25 minutes.
The extended break follows a similar approach taken during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where a musical performance lengthened half-time to 24 minutes.
While football’s laws typically limit the interval to 15 minutes, organisers are expected to adopt special arrangements to accommodate the landmark entertainment show during the historic World Cup final.
