Fifa have officially announced a star-studded cast for the closing ceremony of this instalment of the 2026 World Cup.
The closing ceremony, to be held before the final kicks off in New Jersey on 19 July, will celebrate a groundbreaking tournament that has seen a record number of 48 team participate across three host countries.
The show will start at 13:30 ET (18:30 BST) with the cast of musicians including Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams – who will all perform in the closing ceremony as well as the legendary Jennifer Hudson, who will perform a rendition of the American national anthem, moments before kick-off at 15:00 ET (20:00 BST).
Internet celebrity, IShowSpeed, who rose to fame through his obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo, will have an as yet unknown roll to play in proceedings, but he does have a song, ‘Champions’, featured on the official Fifa World Cup Album. Christopher Macchio, known as “America’s Tenor,” will also deliver a special rendition of ‘America the Beautiful’.
Perhaps the biggest star to be named in the performance is Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise, who will also be involved in some capacity.
The chief operating officer of the World Cup, Heimo Schrigi, said of the closing ceremony: “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 ground-breaking tournament.”
There are four teams that remain in this 23rd iteration of World Cup action – England face holders Argentina on Wednesday after 2018 champions France battle it out with reigning European champions Spain on Tuesday evening, with a shot at becoming world champions on the line.
Fans will also apparently have an important role in the performance and have been encouraged to arrive at the stadium well before kick-off – four hours prior is Fifa’s recommendation – to ensure they are able to participate.
Further musical artists and special guests are also set to be announced over the coming days as the final approaches.
