FIFA opened the 2026 World Cup final with a spectacular closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium, turning the venue into a dazzling entertainment arena ahead of the title showdown between Spain and Argentina.
The ceremony featured dozens of performers, thunderous drumlines and choreographed dance routines, with artists dressed in gold, black and white transforming the football pitch into a grand stage. Cheerleaders, flag bearers and neon-clad performers added to the vibrant display, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a major American sporting spectacle.
Giant visuals of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building paid tribute to the host region as fans waved flags and joined in the celebrations under striking gold and blue FIFA-themed displays.
Internet personality IShowSpeed was among the first to entertain the crowd, bringing his trademark high-energy performance before music stars Post Malone and Swae Lee took centre stage.
Post Malone performed a selection of his popular hits, accompanied by powerful percussion and dramatic visual effects, while Swae Lee kept the energy high with his own performance as kick-off approached.
The star-studded ceremony highlighted FIFA's emphasis on blending sport with world-class entertainment, delivering a memorable pre-match spectacle before football's biggest game.
