2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony plans have turned the tournament finale into a major global entertainment event. Post Malone will headline before Argentina face Spain for the trophy, as reported by Baltimore Chronicle.
Post Malone to headline before the World Cup final
FIFA confirmed that Post Malone will lead the closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium. The show starts at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19.
The ceremony begins 90 minutes before the 3 p.m. kickoff. Argentina will defend its world title against European champion Spain.
Post Malone will share the program with several prominent guests. Tom Cruise is scheduled to make a special appearance during the event.
The announced lineup also includes:
- Laura Pausini;
- Nicole Scherzinger;
- Robbie Williams;
- IShowSpeed.
The performers represent music, film and online entertainment. FIFA describes the show as a meeting point for football, culture and global popular music.
Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem
Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of the United States national anthem. The singer has won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.
Her appearance will formally open the final’s matchday program. It also connects the ceremony with the tournament’s three host countries.
The key schedule details are listed below.
| Event | Time and location |
|---|---|
| Closing ceremony | 1:30 p.m. ET |
| World Cup final kickoff | 3 p.m. ET |
| Match | Argentina vs Spain |
| Venue | New York New Jersey Stadium |
| City | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Date | July 19, 2026 |
The venue is normally known as MetLife Stadium. It will host the final match of the first 48-team men’s World Cup.
World Cup halftime show brings another major lineup
Entertainment will continue during the first FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Justin Bieber recently joined Madonna, BTS and Shakira as a co-headliner.
Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus will also participate. Coldplay is involved, while Chris Martin is curating the production with Global Citizen.
The halftime concept introduces an American-style spectacle to football’s biggest match. It also makes music central to the tournament’s final chapter.
A historic finale for the expanded World Cup
The tournament began on June 11 and was staged across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Its expanded format included 48 national teams.
Argentina reached the final after defeating England 2–1. Spain advanced with a 2–0 victory over France.
Sunday’s program will therefore combine elite football with one of the tournament’s largest entertainment productions. The winner will become the first champion of the expanded World Cup era.
Earlier we wrote about World Cup 2026 final and bronze match: Dates, kickoff times and where to watch online in the USA