Grigor Dimitrov's Ex-Girlfriend Will Close the World Cup on Sunday

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 draws to a close, one name is grabbing attention in Bulgaria beyond the usual squad lists and scorelines: Nicole Scherzinger, the former girlfriend of Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov, will perform at the closing ceremony of the tournament's final on Sunday, 19 July.

Western-context explainer: Nicole Scherzinger rose to fame as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls and has since built a solo career and a celebrated Broadway run.

A Star-Studded Send-Off at MetLife Stadium

According to 24 Chasa, the closing ceremony will take place before the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, widely known internationally as MetLife Stadium. Scherzinger will share the stage with Italian pop icon Laura Pausini, British entertainer Robbie Williams, and viral internet personality iShowSpeed. Hollywood star Tom Cruise is also set to appear as a special guest.

Jennifer Hudson, a winner of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, will perform the United States national anthem, adding an extra layer of prestige to what promises to be a spectacular production.

A Ceremony Built to Match the Tournament's Scale

The ceremony is being produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio. Organisers say the event will celebrate the passion, emotion, and global spirit that defined the 23rd FIFA World Cup, the first ever to feature 48 national teams. They describe it as a game-changing tournament that broke records and inspired a new generation of young people around the world to dream.

Heimo Schirgi, the tournament's Chief Operating Officer, is quoted by 24 Chasa as saying the closing ceremony will mirror the spirit of the opening ceremonies that welcomed the world across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, using music, culture, and football to set the stage for the final match.

Fans attending the stadium are encouraged to arrive early. The ceremony kicks off at 13:30 local time, which is 20:30 Bulgarian time, a full 90 minutes before kick-off. Gates open at 11:00, four hours before the match begins, with performances, crowd interaction, and other surprises planned from the moment fans walk in. Additional artists and special guests are still to be announced in the coming days.

Why This Matters for Bulgarians Abroad

For the Bulgarian diaspora, the World Cup closing ceremony carries a small but warm personal thread. Scherzinger and Dimitrov were one of sport's more glamorous couples during their relationship, and her prominent role on the world's biggest football stage is a reminder of how Bulgarian talent, and Bulgarian connections, reach places far beyond the Balkans. Whether you are watching from London, Toronto, or Sydney, the Sunday final is worth tuning in for well before kick-off.