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 three countries, will conclude with a grand closing ceremony on Sunday, July 19, 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. The American national anthem will be performed by acclaimed singer Jennifer Hudson, an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner.

The ceremony aims to celebrate the global spirit of the tournament, which set new records and expanded to 48 teams for the first time. Haimo Shirgi, COO of the 2026 World Cup, stated that the closing event will continue the theme of the opening ceremonies, 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 a.m. local time, four hours before kickoff, offering entertainment zones and special activities.

The closing ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. local time, 90 minutes before the final game starts. The final will feature either France or Spain facing Argentina or England, with kickoff scheduled for 10:00 p.m. Israel time. This event marks the culmination of a groundbreaking World Cup tournament hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.