The curtain will fall on the 2026 World Cup this evening, but the occasion will not without fanfare.
Before Spain and Argentina face off for the right to be called World Cup 2026 champions, a show to celebrate the historic 48-team tournament will take place.
This follows on from three separate opening ceremonies that took place before the co-hosts, Mexico, Canada and the United States, played their first games of the tournament.
In a statement, FIFA said: “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.”
Post Malone will be the closing ceremony’s headline act and has promised to deliver a performance that reflects the scale of the occasion.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the closing ceremony will feature performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed, as well as a special appearance by Tom Cruise.
Meanwhile, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson will deliver a special rendition of the United States national anthem ahead of the World Cup final.
Jennifer Hudson’s powerful performance will set the stage for the World Cup final
Getty
More artists and special guests will be announced ahead of the final as FIFA brings together some of the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment for an unforgettable celebration before kick-off.
Here’s the latest on the closing ceremony…
World Cup 2026 closing ceremony start time
The World Cup 2026 closing ceremony is set to start at 6.30pm BST on Sunday, July 19, which is 1.30pm local time in New Jersey.
Fans attending the World Cup final have been told they will have an active role to play in the show, so should plan to arrive at the New York/ New Jersey stadium earlier than planned, as the closing ceremony begins 90 minutes before kick-off.
When is the World Cup final?
The World Cup concludes with the final, which will see holders Argentina take on Spain.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST, though there has been concerns over a potential delay due to wildfire smoke causing chaos in New York.
Will there be a World Cup 2026 final half-time show?
Shakira and Burna Boy co-wrote the anthem for this World Cup and will both feature.
As will pop legends Madonna and Justin Bieber, K-pop sensations BTS and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel, of the prestigious New York Philharmonic.
