FIFA has announced that Post Malone will headline the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The performance will take place ahead of the tournament final on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Ceremony details
The closing ceremony will start at 1:30 pm local time. This is 90 minutes before kickoff. Stadium gates will open at 11 am local time. The show is produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio. The studio’s founder, Marco Balich, also led the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The ceremony will mark the end of a 39-day tournament. The event brought together 48 teams across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
FIFA’s statement
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the choice of Post Malone as headliner. He said the performance is designed to celebrate the tournament’s journey. He said it will help build atmosphere before attention shifts to the two finalists. Infantino added that the closing ceremony will set the tone for a historic final. He said it will unite the passion of 48 teams, 16 host cities and millions of fans.
About Post Malone
Post Malone was born Austin Post and spent much of his childhood in Grapevine, Texas. He is a nine-time diamond-certified recording artist. His catalogue includes hits such as Circles, Sunflower, Rockstar, Congratulations, Better Now and Psycho. Sunflower holds the record as the highest-certified single in RIAA history.
His most recent album, F-1 Trillion, marked his debut in country music. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Other performers
Post Malone joins a wider lineup of stars for the closing ceremony. This includes Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and streamer IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson is going to sing the national anthem.
The World Cup final will also feature the tournament’s first-ever halftime show. Performers announced for the halftime show include Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Coldplay. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the 11-minute halftime performance.
Earlier tournament ceremonies
Other artists performed at ceremonies throughout the tournament. Shakira and Burna Boy opened the World Cup in Mexico City. Future, Tyla and Katy Perry performed at the tournament opener in Los Angeles. Canada’s opening ceremony featured Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara and Eliana. Ellie Goulding performed at the quarterfinal between England and Norway in England’s home country.