FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony: Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, IShowSpeed headline
Synopsis
The FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony on 19 July will be one for the ages — Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and IShowSpeed on the same stage, with EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson singing the US national anthem before football's biggest final. It is a fitting curtain call for the first-ever 48-team World Cup, held across three nations.
Key Takeaways
The FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony takes place on 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium , starting at 13:30 local time .
Performers include Tom Cruise (special appearance), Robbie Williams , Laura Pausini , Nicole Scherzinger , and IShowSpeed .
Jennifer Hudson , an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner, will perform the US national anthem ahead of the final.
The ceremony is produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio and celebrates all 48 teams across 16 host cities in Canada , Mexico , and the United States .
Stadium gates open at 11:00 local time — four hours before kick-off — with pre-match activations and entertainment.
Additional artists and guests are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony is set to deliver a spectacular send-off before the tournament final at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July, featuring global entertainers including Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. The ceremony, beginning at 13:30 local time — 90 minutes before kick-off — will mark the conclusion of what FIFA has described as the largest sporting event in history.
Star-Studded Lineup
The show brings together some of the biggest names in global music and entertainment for a live performance ahead of the summit clash. Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams will headline the musical acts, while internet phenomenon IShowSpeed will also feature, reflecting the tournament's effort to bridge traditional entertainment with a younger, digital-native audience. Tom Cruise is confirmed for a special appearance, adding Hollywood star power to the occasion.
Jennifer Hudson to Sing US National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson — an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner — will deliver a special rendition of the United States national anthem ahead of the final. Hudson's performance is expected to set the emotional tone for football's most anticipated match of the year. FIFA confirmed her participation through its official website.
What the Ceremony Celebrates
Produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the closing ceremony is designed to honour the journey of all 48 teams across three host nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — and 16 host cities throughout the expanded tournament. This edition marks the 23rd FIFA World Cup and the first to feature a 48-team format, a structural change that FIFA says has shattered records and inspired a new generation of fans globally.
Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of FIFA World Cup 2026, said the ceremony would bring the tournament 'full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament.'
Fan Experience and Arrival Times
Fans attending the final in person are encouraged to arrive early, with gates opening at 11:00 local time — four hours before kick-off. A full suite of pre-match experiences, including exclusive activations, rewards, and additional entertainment, will be available from gate-open. Fans in the stadium will also play an active role in the closing ceremony itself, according to FIFA. Additional artists and special guests are expected to be announced in the days ahead.
Historic Scale of the Tournament
The 2026 edition is widely regarded as the most expansive World Cup in the event's history, with the 48-team format generating a record number of matches across North America. The closing ceremony is positioned not just as a pre-match show but as a cultural statement — echoing the opening ceremonies held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States that launched the tournament. With the final still to be played, the full story of this World Cup remains unwritten.
Point of View
A demographic the sport needs as it expands to 48 teams and eyes an even larger 2030 edition. Jennifer Hudson singing the national anthem at a World Cup final on US soil carries weight beyond entertainment — it is a soft-power moment for a host nation that spent years fighting to win this tournament. The real question is whether the spectacle translates into lasting grassroots football growth in North America, or remains a one-cycle event bump.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony?
The closing ceremony will feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, along with a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will separately perform the US national anthem ahead of the final match.
When and where is the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony?
The closing ceremony takes place on 19 July 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium, beginning at 13:30 local time — 90 minutes before the final kick-off. Stadium gates open at 11:00 local time.
Why is the FIFA World Cup 2026 considered historic?
The 2026 edition is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, up from 32, making it the largest in the tournament's history. It was hosted across three countries — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — and 16 host cities.
Who is singing the US national anthem at the World Cup 2026 final?
Jennifer Hudson, a winner of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, will deliver a special rendition of the United States national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on 19 July.
Who produced the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony?
The closing ceremony was produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the same company known for large-scale live event productions at major international sporting events.
