The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded in grand style on Sunday as a host of global music and entertainment stars headlined a colourful closing ceremony at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ahead of the tournament’s final.
Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson officially opened the festivities with a powerful rendition of the United States national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The ceremony, staged about 90 minutes before kick-off, featured performances from internationally renowned entertainers in celebration of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.
American music star Post Malone led the entertainment lineup, while British singer Robbie Williams thrilled fans with a series of performances, including the FIFA anthem “Desire” alongside Italian vocalist Laura Pausini and American singer Nicole Scherzinger.
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Popular streamer IShowSpeed also made an appearance during the event, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise surprised fans with an inspirational address from the stage. American tenor Christopher Macchio added to the spectacle with a performance of “America the Beautiful.”
Produced by Balich Wonder Studio, the ceremony blended live music, elaborate stage production and striking visual effects to celebrate the successful conclusion of the expanded tournament and the participation of all 48 competing nations.
In another landmark moment, FIFA staged the first-ever halftime show in World Cup history in collaboration with Global Citizen.
The 11-minute performance featured appearances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, with support from Coldplay, as part of a campaign to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
