The Fifa World Cup 2026 will draw to a close today, 19 July, with a spectacular ceremony in New Jersey, featuring an array of global stars. British pop icon Robbie Williams, alongside Italian singer Laura Pausini and American performer Nicole Scherzinger, are confirmed to take to the stage. Legendary vocalist Jennifer Hudson will perform the American national anthem just moments before the final match kicks off.
Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour, A-list actor Tom Cruise is also set to be involved in the proceedings, though his specific role remains undisclosed. Internet personality IShowSpeed, known for his devotion to Cristiano Ronaldo and whose song 'Champions' features on the official World Cup album, will also participate. Christopher Macchio, dubbed "America's Tenor," will deliver a special rendition of 'America the Beautiful'.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm BST. Viewers in the UK will be able to catch part of the event as ITV's live coverage of the final is set to commence at 6:45pm BST. Fifa has encouraged fans attending the stadium to arrive up to four hours early to ensure they can participate in the performance.
Heimo Schrigi, Chief Operating Officer of the World Cup, stated that the closing ceremony aims to bring the tournament "full circle through music, culture and football." This edition of the World Cup has been particularly notable for its expanded format, featuring a record 48 teams competing across three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The highly anticipated final match will see one of the four remaining teams crowned world champions. England is set to face current holders Argentina, while 2018 champions France will battle reigning European champions Spain in the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to today's ultimate showdown.