Hollywood star Tom Cruise and singer Nicole Scherzinger are set to headline the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, prior to the tournament's final match. The ceremony will also include performances by Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini, with FIFA stating it will honor all 48 participating nations.
Singer Jennifer Hudson is scheduled to perform the United States national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," before the game begins. Additionally, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Coldplay are slated for a halftime show. Internet personality IShowSpeed, known for his support of Cristiano Ronaldo, is also expected to appear, despite Portugal's elimination from the tournament. The exact role of Tom Cruise in the ceremony remains unspecified, described by FIFA only as a 'special appearance.'
Fans attending the match, which is being held just outside New York City, are advised by FIFA to arrive early to participate in the pre-game festivities. Stadium gates are scheduled to open at 11 a.m. local time, four hours before the kickoff.
President Donald Trump is also expected to be in attendance. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated that he and Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winning team together. The presence of the President is anticipated to lead to increased security measures, including airport-level security around the stadium, potentially resulting in longer queues for attendees. Trump's previous appearances at events such as the US Open tennis final and NBA Finals have previously led to logistical challenges.
FIFA described the closing ceremony as an event that "will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football," echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Shakira, who performed at the competition's opening in Mexico City, is also expected to be part of the 11-minute halftime performance. The tournament's opening ceremonies in Canada featured Michael Bublé, and in the U.S. had Katy Perry as the headliner.
The tournament is nearing its conclusion, with the first semi-final scheduled between Spain and France. England is set to face defending champions Argentina in the second semi-final. The final four teams represent the top four in FIFA's world rankings.