In Photos: Relive the 2026 FIFA World Cup final ceremony

The curtain came down on the biggest FIFA World Cup in history with a spectacular closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, setting the stage for the final between Spain and Argentina.

Spain claimed their second FIFA World Cup title after substitute Ferran Torres struck early in the second period of extra time to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

The celebration combined music, culture and football in a dazzling showcase before a capacity crowd and millions of television viewers worldwide.

The ceremony featured performances by Post Malone, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, IShowSpeed, Swae Lee and Christopher Macchio, while actor Tom Cruise delivered a special message celebrating football’s ability to unite the world.

FIFA Music Ambassador Robbie Williams joined Scherzinger and Pausini to perform the official FIFA anthem, while Jennifer Hudson sang the United States national anthem before kick-off.

History was also made during the tournament's inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Global stars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Burna Boy headlined the entertainment, with Chris Martin serving as curator.

Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho joined the festivities, while former World Cup winners Andrés Iniesta and Mario Kempes carried the FIFA World Cup Trophy onto the pitch before the finalists emerged.

Among the distinguished guests were United States President Donald Trump, King Felipe VI of Spain, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofía, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The occasion also attracted an array of sporting and entertainment celebrities, reflecting the World Cup’s global appeal.

The story re-cap the unforgettable scenes—from the star-studded performances and royal guests to the trophy presentation and emotional celebrations—that marked the conclusion of a tournament which rewrote the record books with 48 teams, 104 matches and record-breaking global attendance, leaving an enduring legacy in football history.

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