A host of stars will descend on the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday to celebrate the unforgettable journey of all 48 teams at the FIFA World Cup final.
The ceremonies, in a first, have been divided into two segments with performances lined up not only ahead of the kickoff but also during the break at half-time.
Performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, alongside a special appearance by Tom Cruise will delight the crowd ahead of the game.
Tom Cruise has a special segment planned for the closing ceremony on Sunday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Additionally, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of the United States national anthem.
Produced in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, this ceremony will celebrate the passion, emotion and global unity that have defined the 23rd edition of the tournament.
Jennifer Hudson will be singing the US national anthem at the ceremony. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
“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 groundbreaking tournament,” said Heimo Schirgi, chief operating officer of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FIFA also said that the fans will have an active role to play in the show and must arrive early.
The closing ceremony begins at 11pm IST (1:30pm local time).
READ: Spain vs Argentina preview: Structure, belief and destiny collide in generational World Cup final
Steering away from the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) statute of a maximum 15-minute stoppage, the Argentina vs Spain clash could see a controversial interval of up to 25 minutes.
Justin Bieber was the latest to join a host of co-headliners for the half-time show. | Photo Credit: AP
The Super Bowl-inspired show will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS as co-headliners. Burna Boy, whose global smash hit ‘Dai Dai’ with Shakira continues to dominate the charts worldwide, will also be performing.
Also present will be Gustavo Dudamel, the internationally acclaimed Venezuelan conductor and music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic, and the Webby Award-winning PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay.
Global smash hit Korean band BTS will be one of the major attractions of the show. | Photo Credit: AP
“We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide. As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, who have brought joyful learning to children around the world for generations, will be part of the show as well.
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Published on Jul 19, 2026