The closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway in spectacular fashion at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, with internet streamer IShowSpeed opening proceedings alongside an ensemble of drummers and dancers clad in vivid tracksuits.

More than 80,000 fans, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries are expected to fill the stadium for the final between Spain and Argentina — one of the most anticipated matches in recent football history.

A star-studded pre-match show

The pre-match entertainment is set to feature a remarkable lineup. Actor Tom Cruise is expected to appear on the field, joined by singers Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and Nicole Scherzinger.

Italian singer Pausini spoke to the BBC ahead of her appearance, describing the moment she was invited to perform alongside Williams as genuinely moving. "When Robbie invited me to sing with him, I felt goosebumps everywhere because Robbie's one of my favorite singer, songwriter, and performer," she told the BBC.

Half-time spectacle

The half-time show is headlined by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and K-Pop group BTS, in what promises to be a Super Bowl-style extravaganza lasting between 20 and 25 minutes. FIFA has confirmed the performance itself will run for 11 minutes.

Madonna — the best-selling female music artist of all time — performs fresh off the debut of her new album, Confessions II, which launched at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in July. Justin Bieber returns to the global stage after his headline set at the Coachella music festival in April, his biggest live performance in four years following the cancellation of his Justice world tour due to health issues.

Colombian pop star Shakira will share the stage once more with Nigerian musician Burna Boy, the pair having previously performed together at the opening ceremony in Mexico City last month. Their collaboration Dai Dai became a tournament anthem, echoing through stadiums across the competition.

BTS complete the lineup, making their return after a three-year hiatus while completing mandatory military service in South Korea. The group are currently on an 85-date world tour.

A performance with purpose

The half-time show has been curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative with a target of $100 million (£73 million) to support children's education worldwide.