The 2026 World Cup final will feature two live performances — before the match kicks off, and at half-time.
The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the big match on Sunday July 19 as well as featuring some of the world’s biggest artists.
“Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament,” Heimo Schirgi, FIFA Chief Operating Officer, said.
Who will sing the U.S. national anthem at the World Cup final?
Jennifer Hudson will sing a special rendition of the United States national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, before the final kicks off.
She recently sang “God Bless America” at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia.
Hudson rose to fame over two decades ago on the ‘American Idol’ reality show and has since become a hugely successful singer, actress and producer.
Who is performing at the closing ceremony of the World Cup final?
The closing ceremony will start at 6.30 p.m. BST which is 90 minutes before the final kicks off and will “celebrate the 48 teams’ unforgettable journey across the three host countries and 16 host cities throughout the tournament,” according to FIFA.
Tom Cruise — the Hollywood superstar best known for ‘Mission Impossible’ is set for a ‘special appearance,’ FIFA confirmed.
iShowSpeed — the streamer with legions of followers will be a part of the closing ceremony.
Post Malone — the newest addition to the star-studded cast. “At a time when sport, culture and global attention converge, Post Malone will deliver a performance designed to celebrate the tournament’s journey and ignite the atmosphere before the world’s attention turns to the two finalists,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
Robbie Williams — the superstar singer released the first-ever FIFA anthem, called ‘Desire,’ a year ago. He became the first FIFA Music Ambassador.
Nicole Scherzinger — the Pussycat Dolls singer performed ‘Desire’ with Williams at the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Washington DC last year.
Laura Pausini — the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, one of the most acclaimed artists from Italy, is set to join Williams and Scherzinger. Pausini revealed that she will perform the Spanish part of ‘Desire,’ the FIFA anthem which she and Williams dueted.
“After performing it together for the first time in New York last year, we will return to that stage for another unforgettable moment celebrating the power of music, football, and the emotions that unite people,” Pausini said via social media.
“I’m proud that an Italian voice is part of this global celebration. I can’t wait to share this special moment with football fans around the world.”
Who is performing at the half-time show of the World Cup final?
Chris Martin from Coldplay will curate the half-time show which has five co-headliners:
Justin Bieber — the Canadian superstar is a high-profile feature at half-time, his first time on stage since stealing the show at Coachella.
Madonna — the legendary American singer released the song ‘Read My Lips’ with Feid, which features on the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
Shakira — the Colombian performed at the opening ceremony. Her song ‘Dai Dai’ with Burna Boy is the FIFA World Cup Official Song.
Gustavo Dudamel — the Music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic is a part of the action.
BTS — the South Korean boyband will be a popular part of the half-time show.
