World Cup 2026 Final: Closing Ceremony and Half-Time Show
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain is set to be a historic event, not just for the football, but also for the spectacular entertainment planned around it. Taking place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, the day will feature a star-studded closing ceremony and the tournament's first-ever half-time show.
When and Where
The final will be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium). The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, a full 90 minutes before the match kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET. Gates will open early at 11:00 a.m. for fans to enjoy pre-match experiences.
The Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony will celebrate the journey of all 48 participating nations across the three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Who is performing?
- Headliner: Post Malone.
- Performers: Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and internet personality IShowSpeed.
- Special Appearance: Actor Tom Cruise is expected to make an appearance.
- National Anthem: Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson will perform a special rendition of the United States national anthem before kick-off.
The First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show
For the first time in the tournament's history, the World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the show will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education and sports for children worldwide.
Who is performing?
- Headliners: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS.
- Other Performers: Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.
- Special Guests: Characters from Sesame Street are also expected to make appearances.
How Long Will the Halftime Show Be?
This entertainment comes with a significant change: the halftime break will be extended. While the performance itself is planned to last approximately 11 minutes, the total break is expected to last between 20 and 25 minutes to allow for the setup and takedown of the stage. This will be the longest halftime in World Cup history and goes beyond the standard 15-minute break outlined in the official Laws of the Game.
