The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring the curtain down with a show that promises to live up to the legacy of the greatest tournament in soccer history. FIFA confirmed that a mix of figures from film, music, entertainment, and the digital world will headline the closing ceremony of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place 90 minutes before next Sunday’s grand final.
Among the most notable names is Tom Cruise, who will be one of the ceremony’s special guests. The American actor, known for the Mission: Impossible franchise, had already shown his enthusiasm for the tournament by attending various matches during the competition and will now be present again for one of the event’s most important moments.
Another major surprise will be the participation of content creator IShowSpeed, one of the world’s most popular streamers. The influencer has been following the 2026 World Cup very closely, broadcasting live from various venues and interacting with thousands of fans; his presence aims to connect with the younger generations who have been following the tournament through digital platforms.
A Show Featuring International Stars
Music will also play a leading role in the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Italian singer Laura Pausini, who performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, will be part of the lineup, accompanied by singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger, known for her time with The Pussycat Dolls and her successful Broadway career.
Joining them will be British singer Robbie Williams, who will return to a major international sports stage to take part in the pre-match celebration leading up to the match that will determine the new world champion.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Hudson, one of the few artists to have earned the prestigious EGOT—having won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony—will perform the U.S. national anthem before the start of the final.
FIFA promises an unforgettable experience
According to FIFA, the ceremony aims to pay tribute to the journey undertaken by the 48 participating teams, which played matches in 16 host cities across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
World Cup Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi explained that the goal is to close out the tournament with a show that combines music, culture, and soccer.
“The closing ceremony will bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup full circle through music, culture, and soccer, before we kick off the long-awaited match that will crown the champions of this historic tournament,” he said.
MetLife Stadium will be the setting for the grand celebration
The ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. (local time) at MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while the final is scheduled to start at 3:00 p.m.
The production will once again be handled by Balich Wonder Studio, a company led by Marco Balich, who is responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so a visually and technologically stunning show is expected.
In addition, FIFA has invited all attendees to arrive at the stadium early, assuring fans that they will also play an active role in the experience.
A Historic Finale for an Unprecedented World Cup
The 2026 edition already holds a special place in soccer history as the first World Cup featuring 48 teams and three host countries.
Now, FIFA aims to bring the tournament to a close with a ceremony that will bring together some of the most recognizable figures in international entertainment and serve as a prelude to the final that will crown the new world champion.
With Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jennifer Hudson taking center stage, the 2026 World Cup promises to close with a spectacle that combines sports, music, film, and culture for millions of viewers around the globe.
