FIFA has revealed a stunning line-up for the closing ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a Hollywood star. Tom Cruise along with international artists Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and many other actors. A pre-game celebration will honor the historic 48 teams at the New York New Jersey Stadium before the world champions are crowned.According to a FIFA announcement, the closing ceremony will feature a mix of music, culture and entertainment designed to celebrate the inaugural 48-team FIFA World Cup. The event will take place approximately 90 minutes before the start of the final on Monday, July 20 (IST). The creative team behind the event created the show to showcase the competition’s month-long journey across three countries through music, storytelling and cultural celebrations.
The closing ceremonies and the national anthem
Tom Cruise will make a special appearance at the pre-game event, joining an impressive line-up of music stars from around the world. Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States National Anthem before kickoff. Confirmed extras for the closing ceremony are Robbie Williams, Italian actress Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, and Internet sensation IShowSpeed, who will perform during the game show. The production was created by a powerful team that is responsible for several international sporting traditions, designed to present spectacular events. FIFA has revealed that some surprise guests and players could be announced before the finals.
The vision of the event
FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi explained the purpose of the event. The event is designed to bring the competition “music, culture and football” before the games, marking the end of the month-long competition before we know the world champions.With the 48-team tournament almost over, this closing ceremony aims to match the scale and ambition of the tournament itself, launching the final celebration of football, music and international culture before the FIFA World Cup.
The halftime show features additional artists
In addition to the closing ceremony, FIFA will create a half-time show of the World Cup, which will be the first entertainment of the tournament under the influence of the Super Bowl. Photos of BTS, Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber are set to headline the 11-minute hit. The show will also feature Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a Grammy-nominated choir who will perform alongside Coldplay.
BTS, Madonna and Shakira are among the world’s most famous artists who are expected to participate in the final stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Photo (Instagram).
The half-time show has been produced in collaboration with the international charity and Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey, who have been working with FIFA to end the group of artists. The festival will combine music, culture and football, bringing together the world’s biggest fans at a key moment in the history of the FIFA World Cup.