FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony Features Star-Studded Lineup
Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, and Global Music Icons Set to Perform Ahead of Final Match
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Sarah Connor
The FIFA World Cup closing ceremony will feature a diverse lineup of performers, commencing at 1:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
EGOT recipient Jennifer Hudson performs a special rendition of the United States national anthem, opening the ceremony.
Music icons Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS perform, alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
Post Malone, Italian singer Laura Pausini, Tony winner Nicole Scherzinger, and British sensation Robbie Williams also participate.
Post Malone delivers a performance reflecting the immense scale of the occasion.
This elaborate ceremony celebrates the journey of 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries, showcasing music, culture, and football.
Organizers designed the event to pay tribute to all 48 competing nations from the tournament.
Fans play an active role in the show; FIFA encourages early arrival at the stadium, four hours prior to kick-off, to ensure their participation.
Shakira and Burna Boy, co-writers of the World Cup anthem, perform their hit.
The music video for 'World Cup (Champions)' garnered over 90 million views in just one month.
Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin curated the World Cup final half-time show, featuring Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber.
Streamer IShowSpeed, born Darren Watkins Jr., also forms part of the closing ceremony lineup, bringing a digital dimension.
IShowSpeed, a 21-year-old influencer, is renowned for his vibrant online presence, viral videos, high-energy personality, stunts, and engaging gaming content.
He commands a massive online following, boasting over 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 53 million followers on TikTok, 52 million followers on Instagram, and 5 million followers on Twitch.
His digital impact includes winning the 2022 Streamy Award for Breakout Streamer and the 2023 Streamy for Variety Streamer.
Fans claim IShowSpeed will perform a backflip during his segment.
This strategic shift follows FIFA's initiation of an investigation into a racist comment made by a supporter toward IShowSpeed during the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match on July 3, 2026, at Miami Stadium.
President Donald Trump attends the final and will hand the trophy over to the victorious team.
The intense demand for the match reflects in ticket prices, with the cheapest reselling for around $7,000.
Concerns have arisen over a potential delay in the World Cup final kick-off due to wildfire smoke impacting visibility in New York, posing a significant logistical challenge.
Balich Wonder Studio, a firm celebrated for its expertise in large-scale event production, produces the ceremony.
More artists and special guests will be announced ahead of the final.
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