Tom Cruise and Music Stars to Perform at 2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony in New Jersey

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a historic 48-team tournament across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will conclude with a grand closing ceremony on Sunday, July 19. The event will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, ahead of the final match. Fans will enjoy a star-studded show including performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and internet sensation Speed, with a special guest appearance by actor Tom Cruise.

Jennifer Hudson, an acclaimed singer and award winner of an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony, will lead the emotional rendition of the American national anthem. The ceremony aims to celebrate the global spirit of the tournament, which set new records by expanding to 48 teams for the first time.

Heimo Shirgi, the COO of the 2026 World Cup, emphasized that the closing ceremony will continue the spirit of the opening events, uniting music, culture, and football moments before the highly anticipated final match. Organizers encourage fans to arrive early, as stadium gates open at 11:00 AM local time, four hours before kickoff, offering entertainment zones and special activities.

The closing ceremony will begin at 1:30 PM local time, 90 minutes before the final game starts. The final will feature either France or Spain against Argentina or England, kicking off at 10:00 PM Israel time.