FIFA confirms Post Malone headline act for 2026 World Cup closing ceremony
Organisers have announced a star-studded lineup for the tournament’s conclusion, featuring performances by Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams, and a special appearance by Tom Cruise, as the event prepares to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA has confirmed that Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, a production designed to precede the final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The announcement was made on Wednesday, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino stating that the performance aims to "unite music, culture and football on the world's biggest stage."
Infantino emphasised the scale of the operation, noting that the ceremony will celebrate the tournament's journey involving 48 teams and 16 host cities. He described the event as a moment where sport, culture, and global attention converge, with Post Malone delivering a performance intended to ignite the atmosphere before the final whistle. The production is being curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with Gustavo Dudamel conducting and the PS 22 Chorus participating in the spectacle.
The closing ceremony lineup extends beyond Post Malone, featuring performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams. Additionally, actor Tom Cruise is scheduled for a special appearance, while Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem. This entertainment package accompanies the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, and Shakira.
The final itself marks a significant shift in the tournament's structure and competitive landscape. It is the first World Cup final to feature 48 teams and will see the top two ranked teams in the world face each other for the first time since the FIFA ranking system was introduced in 1992. Spain, the reigning European champions, will take on Argentina, who advanced to the final following a dramatic comeback against England.
Logistical preparations are underway for an event expected to draw more than 80,000 attendees to the open-air stadium, with an additional 50,000 people planning to watch from New York City’s Central Park. Organisers have also noted that the Halftime Show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to improve access to quality education and football for children globally.
