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As if the halftime show weren’t starry enough, FIFA World Cup 2026 has added a pregame closing ceremony filled with entertainment luminaires.
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The show, which will begin July 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET, will feature an appearance by Tom Cruise, as well as performances from Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Italian superstar Laura Pausini and online influencer IShowSpeed, who released the song “World Cup (Champions)” at the start of the international soccer tournament.
Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem prior to the final game at New York New Jersey Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium).
Those attending the match are advised to arrive early, as the ceremony begins 90 minutes before the final game begins (gates open at 11 a.m.). According to FIFA, fans will “have an active role to play in the show.”
FOX will air a four-hour pregame show starting at 11 a.m. until the 3 p.m. game kickoff.
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The closing ceremony is the first round of entertainment scheduled for the grand finale.
During halftime, an all-star musical lineup of Shakira, Madonna, BTS and recently announced Justin Bieber will participate in an 11-minute production. The show is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who is also slated to perform with the PS22 Chorus, the acclaimed elementary school choir from Staten Island, New York. Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel are also among the announced performers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jennifer Hudson, Tom Cruise join FIFA World Cup final show
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Reporting by Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 11:05 AM.