NEW YORK (AP) — A wide range of performers, from actor Tom Cruise streamer IShowSpeed, will help close World CupFIFA announced on Tuesday.
Football’s governing body has released the line-up for the closing ceremony, which will take place 90 minutes before Sunday’s final. The show aims to “celebrate the unforgettable journey of 48 teams” through 16 host cities in three countries, FIFA said in a statement.
IShowSpeed - who has it broadcast several matches — is listed as the performer, and Cruz — who was also seen in the stands performing a stunt on Closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris — billed as a “special appearance.” The ceremony will also feature Laura Pausini, an Italian singer who helped Open the Olympic Games in Milan in Cortina in February; Tony winner and member of the Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger; and Robbie Williams British singer and former member of Take That.
Jennifer Hudson, winner of the coveted EGOT title as well as an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award, will perform the US National Anthem.
“Reflecting the spirit of the opening ceremonies that welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will conclude the 2026 FIFA World Cup through music, culture and football before we begin the highly anticipated match that will determine the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” said Heimo Shirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the World Cup.
While Sunday will also see the tournament’s first half-time show featuring a host of other stars, closing ceremonies are nothing new for the World Cup. The closing ceremony is held in collaboration with Balich Wonder Studio. under the leadership of Marko Balic, which organized the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA urged ticket holders to arrive early, promising fans would “take an active part in the show.” The show will begin at 1:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with kickoff at 3 p.m.
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