Who is performing at the World Cup final?

A star-studded lineup of global entertainers, including American artist Post Malone, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, and popular internet personality IShowSpeed, will headline the closing festivities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer’s international governing body announced, as per ESPN.

FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Post Malone is set to headline the highly anticipated closing ceremony on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The announcement followed Tuesday's release of a broader performer roster featuring Tom Cruise, who is billed for a "special appearance" following his high-profile stunt at the Paris Olympics, and streamer IShowSpeed, who has broadcast from several matches during the tournament.

Scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. local time—90 minutes before the 3:00 p.m. kickoff of the tournament's final—the production is designed to "celebrate the 48 teams' unforgettable journey" across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, FIFA said in an official statement.

The closing ceremony will also feature performances by Italian vocalist Laura Pausini, who performed at the opening of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February; Tony Award winner and former Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger; and British pop star Robbie Williams. Additionally, EGOT-winning artist Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem.

"Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament," said Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup's chief operating officer.

The event is being produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, led by Marco Balich, who previously orchestrated the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Sunday’s grand finale will also introduce the World Cup’s first-ever halftime show, featuring an array of additional A-list stars.

Organisers have urged ticket holders to arrive early at MetLife Stadium, promising that spectators in attendance "will have an active role to play in the show."

By Tamilla Hasanova