IShowSpeed kicks off World Cup closing ceremony in blaze of colour

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. IShowSpeed kicks off World Cup closing ceremony in blaze of colourImage source, FIFA via Getty ImagesPublished19 July 2026, 19:09 BSTUpdated 6 minutes agoThe 2026 World Cup closing ceremony has kicked off with a performance from streamer IShowSpeed, who took to the field alongside drummers and dancers in vibrant tracksuits. Rapper and singer Post Malone followed, performing his hit song Wow. More than 80,000 fans, celebrities and foreign dignitaries are expected to pack New York New Jersey Stadium for Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina.

The star-studded pre-match entertainment is also expected to bring in actor Tom Cruise alongside singers Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger. Image source, FIFA via Getty ImagesImage caption, Post Malone performs during the closing ceremonyWatch closing ceremony and build-up before Spain face Argentina in World Cup final Italian singer Pausini told the 's Carl Nasman that she's "very excited" and "proud" to be performing alongside Williams and Scherzinger at the closing ceremony. "When Robbie invited me to sing with him, I felt goosebumps everywhere because Robbie's one of my favorite singer, songwriter, and performer," Pausini told the .

The Details

The celebrity line-up will continue at half-time with performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS. Madonna, the best-selling female music artist of all time, is set to perform after the launch of her new album, Confessions II, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in July. Bieber also returned to the spotlight earlier this year, with his biggest live performance in four years at the Coachella music festival after cancelling his Justice world tour because of health issues.

Image source, Getty ImagesColombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy will return to the stage together after performing during the opening ceremony in Mexico City last month. Their song Dai Dai has been a global favourite on music charts and was a frequently played number at stadiums during the tournament. Meanwhile, K-Pop stars BTS will perform after making their comeback from a three-year music hiatus to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.

They are currently in the middle of an 85-date world tour. Image source, Getty ImagesThe half-time break is expected to last 20-25 minutes, with Fifa saying the Super-Bowl-style performance will take 11 minutes. It has been curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will raise money for the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100m (£73m) for children worldwide.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.