A diverse group of entertainers, from film star Tom Cruise to online personality IShowSpeed, will take part in bringing the World Cup to a close, tournament organizers revealed on Tuesday.
The sport’s governing body unveiled the program for the finale event, scheduled to begin 90 minutes ahead of Sunday’s championship match. In an official release, officials stated the spectacle aims to “honor the remarkable journey of all 48 teams” across 16 venues in three nations.
IShowSpeed—who previously broadcast live from several games—is confirmed as a performer, while Cruise—seen attending matches and executing a memorable feat at the Paris Games’ final gathering—is slated for a “special appearance.” The festivities will also feature sets from Laura Pausini, the Italian vocalist who co-hosted the Milan Cortina winter event’s kickoff in February; Tony honoree and former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger; and Robbie Williams, the UK artist and onetime Take That frontman.
Jennifer Hudson, who holds the rare Egot distinction encompassing an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, is set to deliver the United States’ national anthem.
“Reflecting the energy of the launch events that invited the globe to a premier stage across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this concluding spectacle will complete the 2026 World Cup experience through melody, heritage, and the beautiful game, right before we commence the eagerly awaited clash that will decide this historic competition’s titleholder,” noted Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operations executive.
While Sunday will also introduce the event’s inaugural mid-match musical interlude, featuring a collection of additional top-tier artists, farewell presentations are hardly a novelty for global football tournaments. This finale is being organized in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio, headed by Marco Balich, who arranged the 2022 tournament’s lead-in and concluding productions in Qatar.
The half-time presentation will showcase Shakira, Madonna, and the K-pop sensation BTS. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is assembling the performance. “This represents a watershed occasion for the World Cup and a spectacle worthy of sports’ grandest stage,” the organization’s president, Gianni Infantino, shared via Instagram.
Organizers are advising those with tickets to come early, guaranteeing that fans “will have an active role to play in the show.” The program commences at 1.30pm Eastern Time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and the match starts at 3pm Eastern Time.
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