Star-Studded World Cup Finale
FIFA Reveals Star-Studded Lineup for World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony at MetLife Stadium
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Key Points
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The closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium is set to start at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. ET and the World Cup final kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.
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Two semi-final matches are scheduled on the same day: France vs. Spain in Arlington, Texas, and England vs. Argentina in Atlanta, with both matches kicking off at 3:00 p.m. ET.
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Jennifer Hudson will perform a 'special rendition' of the United States national anthem (The Star-Spangled Banner) before kickoff.
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Laura Pausini is participating alongside Robbie Williams, and she has a prior collaboration with Williams on FIFA's 2025 anthem 'Desire,' highlighting a cross-continental collaboration for the ceremony.
FIFA has confirmed a star-packed closing ceremony for the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19. The pre-match show starts at 1:30 p.m. ET, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET, according to Deadline and Yahoo Sports.
The lineup includes Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, Justin Bieber, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams, Madonna, and Coldplay. Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of the U.S. national anthem just before kickoff. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. ET, and officials are urging fans to arrive early due to heavy security.
Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed Lead a Massive Performer Lineup
Tom Cruise will make a 'special appearance' at the ceremony, Daily Mail reported. He joins a cross-genre roster that spans pop, rock, and internet culture. Nicole Scherzinger is also set to headline the show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
IShowSpeed, the viral internet streamer and devoted Cristiano Ronaldo fan, is also on the bill. His inclusion is a nod to younger audiences and online fandom, even though Portugal did not reach the final. Deadline noted FIFA did not specify exactly what each performer will do during the show.
Jennifer Hudson to Sing Anthem as Trump Eyes Trophy Handover
Jennifer Hudson will open the final with a special rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' according to Yahoo Sports. It is one of the most high-profile national anthem slots in sports history, coming before a global audience of hundreds of millions.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the final. He may take part in the trophy handover alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. No official confirmation of Trump's exact role has been released yet.
Laura Pausini and Robbie Williams Bring a Global Music Touch
Italian pop star Laura Pausini and British icon Robbie Williams are set to perform together. The two already share a connection — they collaborated on 'Desire,' FIFA's official 2025 anthem. Their presence ties the ceremony directly to the tournament's broader musical identity.
The ceremony is designed to celebrate all 48 nations that took part in the expanded tournament. FIFA says the show will blend music, culture, and football to bring the competition full circle before the final whistle ever blows.
Two Semifinals Set the Stage on the Same Day
Before the final, two semifinal matches will be played on July 19. France face Spain in Arlington, Texas, and England take on Argentina in Atlanta. Both games kick off at 3:00 p.m. ET, according to Yahoo Sports.
The winners of those two matches will meet at MetLife Stadium for the championship. The closing ceremony is meant to honor the full journey of all 48 teams before the last 90 minutes of football decides who lifts the trophy.
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