Quick answer
The closing ceremony is a pre-match event at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026. It begins at 13:30 local time, 90 minutes before kick-off. Gates open at 11:00. FIFA names four performers, one special appearance, and a separate United States national anthem performance.
- Closing ceremony performers: Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed.
- Special appearance: Tom Cruise.
- United States national anthem: Jennifer Hudson.
- Schedule: 13:30 local time; gates open at 11:00.
Closing ceremony versus halftime show
The closing ceremony is a pre-match event, not the Final Halftime Show. It starts 90 minutes before kick-off and celebrates the tournament before the final begins. The Final Halftime Show is a separate 11-minute broadcast during the match interval with a separately announced lineup.
That timing distinction matters because search results and social posts can combine the two rosters. A performer confirmed for one event should not automatically be listed for the other.
The IShowSpeed and Champion connection
IShowSpeed is confirmed for the closing ceremony. His track Champion is also part of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, which makes it a relevant route through the music atlas.
Those are two confirmed facts, but they do not create a confirmed set list. FIFA's closing ceremony announcement does not say that IShowSpeed will perform Champion.
What has not been announced
A complete song-by-song running order has not been published. FIFA also says more artists and special guests will be announced over the coming days, so the July 14 lineup is confirmed but may not be final.
This page will date any update and keep performer announcements, song predictions, and a confirmed set list separate.
Primary source
Official source used
The schedule and role labels come from FIFA's July 14 media release.
FIFA: World Cup 2026 closing ceremony announcement
Confirms the July 19 schedule, venue, named performers, special appearance, national anthem performer, and that more guests are still to be announced.
Open FIFA sourceFast answers
2026 World Cup Closing Ceremony FAQ
What time is the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony?
FIFA says the closing ceremony starts at 13:30 local time on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium. That is 90 minutes before the final kicks off. Stadium gates open at 11:00 local time.
Who is performing at the World Cup closing ceremony?
FIFA confirms performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, plus a special appearance by Tom Cruise. FIFA also says more artists and special guests will be announced.
Is the closing ceremony the same as the Final Halftime Show?
No. The closing ceremony is a pre-match event scheduled for 13:30 local time, 90 minutes before kick-off. The separately announced Final Halftime Show takes place during the match interval.
Is Jennifer Hudson performing in the closing ceremony?
FIFA says Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem ahead of the final. Its announcement describes that anthem performance separately from the closing ceremony lineup, so this guide keeps the role separate too.
Will IShowSpeed perform Champion at the closing ceremony?
IShowSpeed is confirmed as a closing ceremony performer, and Champion is an official FIFA World Cup 2026 album track. FIFA's announcement does not publish a song-by-song running order, so a Champion performance is not presented here as confirmed.