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If you know anything about soccer, there’s no halftime show. But with such a giant global stage set for the World Cup, it kind of makes sense!
Before kickoff, Jennifer Hudson will deliver a special rendition of the U.S. national anthem, and then the first-ever World Cup Halftime Show at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium to locals) will bring superstars to the stage to celebrate the pinnacle of the game. They’ll also perform to raise money for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Over $50 million has already been raised, so the hope is to close the gap with the star-studded show.
But it’s not all about the halftime show. There’s a closing ceremony before kickoff that’ll feature more popular artists!
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the World Cup Final, its halftime show and its closing ceremony.
When is the FIFA World Cup Final?
Sunday, July 18, starting at 3pm ET.
What teams are playing the FIFA World Cup Final?
It’ll be Spain versus Argentina.
Who is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony?
Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini are slated to perform. IShowSpeed and Tom Cruise are also confirmed to take part in the ceremony.
When is the closing ceremony?
It’ll start at 1:30pm ET, 90 minutes before the kickoff.
When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show?
It’ll start 45 game minutes in (halftime), so anytime around 3:45 or 4pm.
Who’s performing at the World Cup 2026 final halftime show?
Madonna, Shakira and Burna Boy, BTS, Justin Bieber, Gustavo Dudamel (the acclaimed Venezuelan conductor and music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic) and the P.S. 22 chorus (featuring Coldplay) will perform at the 11-minute-long halftime show. The show is curated by Chris Martin from Coldplay and produced by Global Citizen, in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted.
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will be part of the show to highlight the importance of access to quality education for children.
How to watch the FIFA World Cup final halftime show and the closing ceremony
You can stream the FIFA World Cup Final and Halftime Show on Fox One and Fox Sports or in Spanish on Peacock (via Telemundo), as well as on TV on Fox and Telemundo. There’s more information about how to stream it here.