Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed among final stars confirmed for 2026 World Cup closing ceremony

FIFA officially announced a star-studded entertainment lineup that Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and internet streamer IShowSpeed will be among the names performing as part of the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony.

On Sunday, July 19, the closing ceremony will take place at MetLife Stadium. Tom Cruise previously delighted fans at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing, abseiling from the roof of the Stade de France.

Fans will be intrigued to know that FIFA also confirmed today that Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem ahead of the final. The closing ceremony and final match will be shown on FOX and Telemundo in the US, introducing into a 3PM ET kick-off.

This marks the first ever World Cup final with a half-time show. The 32-year-old joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS as co-headliners of the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. This will bring together some of the world’s biggest artists for a watershed moment at the convergence of sport, music, and global impact.

On social platform X, fans have shared compelling reactions with one user writing, “Speed at the World Cup final performing “Champions” would be pure cinema FIFA really said, ‘let’s get the streamer bag’ and tapped him up. If it actually happens the atmosphere is gonna be mental no matter the scoreline. The prank call turned into a legendary moment.”

The second said: “Just wondering, how/what Tom Cruise will be performing, Is it “mission impossible” or what?”

Argentina is all to face off in Atlanta today. France remains the front-runner to win the championship after a convincing win against Morocco in the last round.

Nonetheless, England has also maintained significant drive throughout the tournament specifically after the team’s thrilling victory at the Azteca Stadium against Mexico in the Round of 16.