Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson to shine at FIFA World Cup final ceremony

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony before the final match on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Organisers have planned a star-studded event featuring internationally renowned actors, singers and entertainers to celebrate the end of the biggest World Cup in football history.

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise will make a special appearance during the ceremony. He will be joined by Italian singer Laura Pausini, American pop star Nicole Scherzinger, British music icon Robbie Williams and popular internet personality IShowSpeed. Their live performances are expected to entertain thousands of fans inside the stadium and millions of viewers watching around the world.

Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before the final kicks off. Hudson is one of the most celebrated performers in the entertainment industry, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. Her performance is expected to be one of the major highlights of the ceremony.

The closing celebration will honour the memorable journey of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The tournament featured 48 national teams for the first time, making it the largest edition in World Cup history. Matches were played across three host nations—the United States, Canada and Mexico—and in 16 host cities. The expanded format brought together more teams, more fans and more unforgettable moments than any previous World Cup.

Organisers said the ceremony will combine football, music and culture in a vibrant celebration before the championship match. The event is designed to showcase the diversity of the tournament and reflect the unity that football brings to people across the world.

Preparations for the ceremony have already been completed. Stage productions, musical performances and entertainment segments have been carefully planned to deliver an unforgettable experience for supporters inside the stadium and audiences watching globally.

Officials also confirmed that additional artists and special guests will be announced in the coming days, adding even more excitement to the event.

The ceremony will also celebrate the success of a tournament that broke several records in attendance, global viewership and participation. FIFA believes the competition has inspired millions of children and young football fans worldwide to dream of representing their countries on the biggest stage.

The event will continue the spirit of the opening ceremonies held in Canada, Mexico and the United States at the start of the tournament. It will symbolically bring the historic competition to a close before the focus shifts to the final match, where the world’s next football champion will be crowned.

Stadium gates will open at 11:00 a.m. local time, around four hours before kick-off. Fans arriving early will be able to enjoy a range of pre-match activities, live entertainment, interactive experiences and special giveaways before witnessing one of the biggest matches in world football.