New York area to host star-studded World Cup final entertainment

By Emeka Nwosu — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

The World Cup final, set to feature Spain and Argentina, will include a lineup of international stars performing at MetLife Stadium. The event is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, and will showcase a pre-game closing ceremony and a significant halftime show.

The tournament, which spanned five weeks and included over 100 matches across three countries, culminates in a final that will draw an audience of 80,000 fans in attendance and billions watching globally. The entertainment segments are designed to enhance the spectacle surrounding the championship match.

Pre-Game and Closing Ceremony Highlights

The pre-game closing ceremony is expected to begin at 1:30 pm (1730 GMT). Among the notable figures anticipated to participate is Tom Cruise, known for his previous show-stopping stunt at the 2024 Olympic closing ceremony in Paris, where he abseiled from the roof of the Stade de France. His appearance at the World Cup final is anticipated to bring a similar level of spectacle.

Joining Cruise for the pre-game festivities will be British pop star Robbie Williams and Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is slated to perform the US national anthem. American rapper-singer Post Malone and streamer IShowSpeed are also expected to be present for the event.

Adding to the list of attendees, US President Donald Trump is also scheduled to be in attendance for the final match and its accompanying ceremonies.

Halftime Show Features Global Artists

The halftime show, marking a first in World Cup history, is planned to be an 11-minute event. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described it as potentially the “biggest in the world.” The performance aims to be an intergenerational spectacle, featuring a diverse array of musical talent.

Pop icon Madonna, who recently released a new album, will share the stage with Justin Bieber, K-pop megagroup BTS, and Shakira. Shakira’s song “Dai Dai,” a collaboration with Burna Boy, serves as the official song of the tournament. Other performers include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a New York chorus, with Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin curating the entire show.

The halftime event is also intended to raise funds for an education initiative, a joint effort between FIFA and the non-governmental organization Global Citizen. The duration of the halftime show, including the setup and dismantling of the stage, could potentially extend beyond the typical 15-minute match break, as observed during last year’s Club World Cup final at the same stadium, which lasted over 24 minutes.

Artists performing at the World Cup halftime show do not receive a fixed payment. This arrangement is similar to the Super Bowl halftime show, where organizers cover production and logistical costs. The primary compensation for artists like Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber is the global exposure, which can lead to increased earnings from sales, streaming, and other revenue streams. They also receive a stipend for rehearsals.

Historically, artists have participated in previous World Cup ceremonies without traditional payments, often experiencing significant growth on their digital platforms in the weeks following the event. The final match between Spain and Argentina will determine if Argentina secures a second title or if Spain adds a second star to its history on Sunday, July 19.

Source: channelstv.com