FIFA announced on Tuesday that an exciting lineup of entertainers, including actor Tom Cruise and streamer IShowSpeed, will participate in the closing of the World Cup.
Additionally, the governing body of football revealed on Wednesday that American rapper-singer Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony.
This event is set to take place 90 minutes prior to Sunday’s final, celebrating the remarkable journeys of the 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries, as stated by FIFA.
IShowSpeed, known for streaming numerous matches, is also among the slated performers, while Cruise, who has previously been seen in the stands and participated in a stunt at the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, will make a “special appearance.”
The lineup for the ceremony includes performances from Italian singer Laura Pausini, who contributed to the opening of the Milan Cortina Olympics in February; Tony Award winner and Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger; and British singer Robbie Williams, formerly of Take That.
Additionally, Jennifer Hudson, an accomplished artist with an EGOT title (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), will perform the U.S. national anthem.
“Reflecting the spirit of the opening ceremonies that welcomed the world to the premier stage in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the closing ceremony will circle back through music, culture, and football, right before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this historic tournament,” stated Heimo Schirgi, the World Cup’s chief operating officer.
This Sunday will also feature the tournament’s inaugural halftime show, showcasing numerous A-list performers. Although closing ceremonies are not new to the World Cup, this year’s production is being coordinated in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, headed by Marco Balich, who directed the opening and closing ceremonies in Qatar in 2022.
Fans holding tickets are encouraged to arrive early, with FIFA assuring them that they “will have an active role to play in the show.” The ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m.