Watch: Tom Cruise showcases football skills in Digger promo ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony
Tom Cruise has promoted his upcoming film Digger with a football-themed video ahead of his special appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony.
Tom Cruise has marked FIFA World Cup finals weekend with a football-themed promotional video for his upcoming film Digger, days before his special appearance at the tournament’s closing ceremony.
Tom Cruise displays football skills ahead of FIFA finale
The actor shared the clip on social media ahead of his scheduled appearance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. Sharing the video, Cruise wrote, “You like football, Maggie? DIGGER only in theaters October.”
In the promotional video, Cruise appears in full costume and prosthetic make-up as his character from Digger. Seated in an armchair with a cat perched on the headrest, the actor effortlessly juggles a football at his feet while singing, "Ole." He ends the clip by declaring, “Let's f****** go!”
Quick answers to key questions
The closing ceremony features performances from Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, among others.
Tom Cruise is using the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony as a platform to promote his upcoming film Digger, which releases in October 2026.
The closing ceremony will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports channels, part of ZEE5, starting at 11 PM IST on July 19, before the final match.
The closing ceremony is scheduled to start 90 minutes before the final match on July 19, 2026, beginning at 1:30 PM local time, which is 11 PM IST.
Tom Cruise's appearance highlights the intersection of sports and entertainment, showcasing his film Digger in conjunction with one of the year's biggest global sporting events.
The video arrives as Cruise prepares to join a star-studded line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony. FIFA has confirmed that the actor will make a special appearance at the event, which will take place before the final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1.30pm local time, 90 minutes before kick-off.
The event will also feature performances by Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, while YouTube personality IShowSpeed is also part of the announced line-up. Jennifer Hudson is set to perform the United States national anthem before the final, with Post Malone announced as the closing ceremony’s headliner.
More about Digger
Meanwhile, Cruise is preparing for the release of Digger, directed by Alejandro G Iñárritu. The film is scheduled to release in cinemas in October 2026 and has already drawn attention for Cruise’s dramatic transformation under heavy prosthetic make-up. The official film website lists Digger as a theatrical release for October 2026.
The film marks a collaboration between Cruise and Iñárritu, with the actor taking on a role that presents a striking departure from the action-driven image associated with many of his recent blockbusters. The latest promotional push places the film in the spotlight as Cruise prepares for one of the year's biggest global sporting events.
Cruise’s football-themed video comes ahead of his appearance at the World Cup closing ceremony and the October theatrical release of Digger.
About the Author
Trisha Bhattacharya is a Senior Content Producer at Livemint, with over two years of experience covering entertainment news from India and beyond. She spends her days tracking what’s trending, breaking down pop culture moments, and turning fast-moving entertainment stories into sharp, engaging reads that actually make people want to click — and stay. <br> She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Lucknow University, a background that shapes her love for layered narratives, strong voices, and stories that linger long after they’re told. Before joining Livemint, Trisha worked with India Today as an entertainment journalist and film critic. There, she reviewed films, covered industry news, and built a strong foundation in storytelling and cultural analysis. <br> Trisha enjoys working at the intersection of media, culture, and audience interest, always looking for fresh angles and formats. Films, shows, and music are not just her beat but her biggest passion — something that naturally reflects in her writing. Whether it’s cinema, streaming shows, music, or internet trends, she approaches every story with curiosity and intent. <br> Outside the job description, she’s unapologetically passionate about films, shows, and music — sometimes a little too passionate, if you ask her. That enthusiasm often spills into her work, adding personality, urgency, and a touch of chaos that keeps her writing alive. For Trisha, entertainment isn’t just a beat — it’s a language she speaks fluently.
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