FIFA confirms Tom Cruise and Robbie Williams for World Cup 2026 closing ceremony in New Jersey

FIFA has officially announced the closing ceremony line-up for the 2026 World Cup final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July, with Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and Jennifer Hudson all confirmed to appear.

Jennifer Hudson will perform the American national anthem, while Williams, Scherzinger, and Pausini are each set to perform during the ceremony itself. Internet personality IShowSpeed — who built a global following largely through his devotion to Cristiano Ronaldo — will also play a role, with his song ‘Champions’ already featured on the official FIFA World Cup Album. The precise nature of both his and Tom Cruise’s involvement has not yet been disclosed.

FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Schrigi, described the event as a continuation of the tournament’s opening celebrations held across the three host nations. “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,” he said.

The ceremony precedes a final that will conclude a record-breaking edition of the tournament — the first to feature 48 teams competing across three countries. Four nations remain in contention: England face holders Argentina on Wednesday, while 2018 champions France take on reigning European champions Spain on Tuesday, with both semi-finals deciding who contests the showpiece.

Fans attending the final have been encouraged by FIFA to arrive at the stadium up to four hours before kick-off to take part in the ceremony. Further performers and special guests are expected to be announced in the days leading up to the final.