The 2026 FIFA World Cup finale will offer far more than the crowning of a champion. FIFA has revealed plans for a spectacular closing ceremony in New Jersey, bringing together music, cinema, and digital entertainment to celebrate the tournament’s historic conclusion.

Headlining the event are Hollywood actor Tom Cruise,  Nicole Scherzinger, and creator IShowSpeed. They will be joined by international vocalists Laura Pausin and Robbie Williams for a production billed as a celebration of the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. Ahead of kick-off, Grammy-winning artist Jennifer Hudson is slated to perform the U.S. national anthem.

Photo: Instagram

The ceremony is being produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, the firm behind large-scale global events and Olympic opening ceremonies. According to FIFA, the show will highlight the cultural scope of the first World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, using music, storytelling and visuals to mark the end of the month-long competition.

A Final Show Before the Biggest Match

Photo: Getty images

The closing ceremony will take place shortly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between Spain and Argentina.

Spain secured its place in the championship match with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the semi-finals, while Argentina booked the other spot after edging England 2-1 in a tense encounter.

With two football powerhouses preparing to battle for the sport’s most prestigious trophy, the star-studded ceremony is expected to provide a fitting prelude to one of the biggest events on the global sporting calendar.

The victors will take the pitch immediately after the entertainment wraps, in what FIFA has described as one of the most significant finals in the tournament’s history.

Biggest World Cup Yet

Photo: Getty images 

The 2026 edition is already the largest in World Cup history, with more teams and matches than any previous tournament. Organizers say the closing show is designed to reflect that scale.

“ This is a celebration of the players, the host cities, and the fans who have made this World Cup historic,” a FIFA spokesperson said in the announcement.

Additional performer and guest details are expected closer to the final. For now, focus remains on the semi-finals as four nations push for a place in the final.

Whether viewers are watching for the football or the entertainment, FIFA is positioning the 2026 final as an event that extends well beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.

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After helping Norway reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Erling Haaland returned to Norway with an unexpected travel companion, a taxidermied raccoon holding a whiskey bottle.

The Norwegian striker arrived in Oslo following Norway’s quarterfinal exit from the 2026 World Cup, but it was not only his performance on the pitch that captured attention. Photos of Haaland disembarking the team plane with the unusual piece quickly spread online, turning the animal figure into one of the most unexpected highlights of his return home.

Photo: Instagram

Known for his personality away from football, Haaland embraced the moment with humor. Shortly after the images went viral, the Manchester City forward shared a post on X joking, “It followed me home,” accompanied by a raccoon and laughing emoji.

The striker later invited fans to help choose a name for his new companion through an Instagram poll, offering options including “Cowboy,” “Ranger,” “TEX,” and “R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).”

The taxidermied raccoon reportedly came from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, where Haaland had visited during Norway’s World Cup journey. Fans quickly identified the item as the “Whiskey Raccoon,” a decorative piece featuring a raccoon holding a whiskey bottle, with reports suggesting it was priced at around $750.

Beyond the viral souvenir, Haaland also arrived carrying a white and maroon Prada bag, adding another memorable detail to his post-tournament appearance. The combination of designer fashion and a quirky Western-themed purchase reflected the striker’s distinctive style and playful personality.

Haaland’s return followed a historic World Cup run for Norway. The 25-year-old played a central role in helping the team reach the quarterfinals, marking one of the nation’s strongest performances on football’s biggest stage. Although Norway’s journey ended with a 2–1 defeat against England, Haaland described the experience as life-changing.

Photo: Instagram

“It’s been quite a row, thank you for making it so special,” he wrote after the tournament, sharing his appreciation for the support he received throughout the competition.

While the raccoon may have stolen attention at the airport, Haaland’s World Cup performance remains the defining moment of his summer. His combination of elite football ability, confidence, and off-field personality has made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, both during matches and in the moments that follow.

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Justin Bieber has been confirmed as a headline performer for the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup Final history.

FIFA announced the addition of the Canadian pop star on July 8. Bieber will take the stage on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, joining an international lineup that includes Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.

Photo: Getty images

The halftime show marks a historic shift for the tournament. Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay are also set to perform. The production is being developed by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as curator.

FIFA said the event will focus on entertainment and impact. Proceeds from the event will contribute to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a program dedicated to education and youth football initiatives for children worldwide. More than half of the campaign’s USD 100 million target has already been collected. FIFA said $1 from each ticket sold for World Cup 2026 matches will go to the fund.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called education “one of the world’s most important priorities” and said the halftime performance will be used to promote unity and social opportunity on a global stage.

Bieber also underscored the charitable mission. He noted his gratitude to be part of a project focused on educational access for children.

Photo: Getty images

The program will further emphasize youth and learning through appearances by characters from “Sesame Street” and “The Muppets.” Their inclusion aligns with the broader goals of FIFA’s Unite for Education campaign which seeks to leverage the tournament’s reach to advance youth empowerment and community development.

With artists spanning multiple genres, generations, and regions, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show is positioned to be among the most ambitious entertainment productions in the tournament’s history, pairing sport with music and philanthropy before a global audience.

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