Spain vs Argentina World Cup Final 2026 | Closing Ceremony Launched the Tournament's Final Act

The closing ceremony for the 2026 World Cup kicked off Sunday at MetLife Stadium, setting the stage for the final match between Spain and Argentina. The event, which began at 1:30 p.m. local time, aimed to "celebrate the unforgettable journey experienced through the three host countries and the tournament's host cities."

Performers at the ceremony included American rapper Post Malone, Italian singer Laura Pausini, and British artists Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, who performed the official anthem "Desire." The stadium's field was covered with a banner depicting New York's iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty.

American streamer IShowSpeed, boasting 160 million subscribers, was also a featured guest. The Oscar-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson was chosen to perform the U.S. national anthem. Actor Tom Cruise was announced as another participant, recalling his dramatic descent during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games two years prior, in a symbolic handover from Paris 2024 to Los Angeles 2028.

The ceremony took place under stringent security measures, with the presence of President Donald Trump expected. The event preceded the final match, which was scheduled to start an hour and a half later.