The 2026 World Cup Final will feature two live performances, one before kickoff and one at halftime.
The game will take place on Sunday, July 19th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and some of the world’s best musicians will take to the stage as part of the celebrations.
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Here’s what you need to know:
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be held on Sunday, July 19th.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3pm local time (7pm Japan time) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The game will be played at MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets. During the tournament, the venue will be temporarily renamed New York-New Jersey Stadium.
The multipurpose stadium can accommodate up to 82,500 spectators for soccer matches. It also hosted the finals and semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
What time does the World Cup Closing Ceremony start?
The World Cup Closing Ceremony will begin on Sunday, July 19th at 1:30pm local time (17:30 GMT) in New Jersey.
Jennifer Hudson also plans to sing the U.S. national anthem before kickoff.
The ceremony celebrates the 48 teams that competed in three host countries and 16 host cities during the tournament.
When does the halftime show start?
Unlike the closing ceremony, which takes place before kickoff, the halftime show takes place between the first and second halves. Kick-off is scheduled to start at 3:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT), subject to stoppage time, immediately after 3:45 pm local time (19:45 GMT).
The half-time performance is expected to last approximately 11 minutes, but FIFA has not officially confirmed the length of the interval. The break may be extended from the standard 15 minutes to 20 to 25 minutes to allow time for the stage to be set up and taken down, the report said.
According to the rules of the game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), half-time cannot exceed 15 minutes. However, the competition rules allow for longer breaks with the referee’s approval, and FIFA has not explained how extended breaks will be implemented.
This will be the first time a halftime show has been performed at a World Cup final, although FIFA tested the concept at last year’s Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The performance took place on a stage above the stands, with an intermission of just over 24 minutes.
Unlike the Club World Cup final, Sunday’s stage will be constructed directly on the pitch before being removed before the second half. Organizers say it’s designed to be assembled and dismantled within minutes.
It is not uncommon for major sporting events to have long halftime breaks. Shakira’s performance in the 2024 Copa America final delayed the restart by approximately 26 minutes.
Who will perform at the World Cup Closing Ceremony?
On Wednesday, football’s governing body announced that American rapper and singer Post Malone will headline the ceremony.
The World Cup closing ceremony will also feature performances by Italian singer Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Robbie Williams and YouTube creator IShowSpeed. Actor Tom Cruise will also make a special appearance.
The ceremony, produced by Balich Wonder Studio, aims to celebrate the tournament’s defining moments and soccer’s global appeal, after a month of competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA has announced that additional performers and special guests will be announced closer to the final.
“Reflecting the spirit of the opening ceremonies that welcomed the world to the highest stages in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremonies will bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup full circle through music, culture and soccer, before beginning the long-awaited matches that will determine the champion of this landmark tournament,” said Chief Operating Officer Heimo Silgi.
Who is performing at the halftime show?
Justin Bieber will headline Sunday’s halftime show, along with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS.
Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and New York’s PS22 Chorus will participate, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin supervising the performance.
The show will support the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand children’s access to education.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way that nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I am grateful to be a part of this halftime show, and even more grateful to know that it is already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Burna Boy, who collaborated with Shakira on the tournament’s official song ‘Die Die’, said performing in the final was an “honour and responsibility” and an opportunity to represent Africa on the world stage.
How can I watch the World Cup finals and shows?
In the United States, the game will be broadcast in English on FOX and in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, and will be available to stream on the FOX Sports app, FOX One, and Peacock.
Canadian viewers can watch on CTV and TSN, while Mexican viewers can watch through TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca and ViX.
The match will be broadcast live across the Middle East and North Africa on beIN Sports.
