Star-Studded Spectacle: FIFA World Cup 2026 Pregame Closing Ceremony and Halftime Show
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to dazzle fans with a star-studded pregame closing ceremony on July 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The event will feature appearances by Tom Cruise, performances by Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, and IShowSpeed, who released the song "World Cup (Champions)" at the start of the tournament. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem before the final game at New York New Jersey Stadium, with gates opening at 11 a.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early as they will have an active role in the show. FOX will air a four-hour pregame show leading up to the 3 p.m. game kickoff.
The halftime show promises to be equally spectacular, with Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber set to perform in an 11-minute production curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay. The PS22 Chorus from Staten Island, New York, will also join the lineup, along with Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel. The closing ceremony and halftime show are just the beginning of the entertainment planned for the grand finale of the FIFA World Cup 2026.