Spain and Argentina play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title Sunday, and for the first time in World Cup final history, halftime comes with its own show. Check out everything you need to know about the closing ceremony and halftime show.
How to Watch the World Cup Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, an hour and a half before kickoff. It airs on FOX, streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
Who Is Performing at the World Cup Closing Ceremony?
Tom Cruise makes a special appearance, echoing his surprise turn at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics. He’s joined by Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, with streamer IShowSpeed also part of the show. Jennifer Hudson performs the host nation’s national anthem. Balich Wonder Studio, the company behind the production, is billing it as a celebration of the tournament’s global reach before the final kicks off.
When Is the World Cup Final Halftime Show?
Kickoff is 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Organizers say the halftime show is expected to begin at approximately 3:45 p.m. ET, although the exact time will depend on stoppage time and when the first half ends.
How Long Is the Halftime Show?
World Cup matches ordinarily have a 15-minute halftime interval. Organizers say the musical performance will run 11 minutes. FIFA is targeting a total halftime break of no more than 20 minutes, although FIFA has not officially confirmed the interval’s full length.
World Cup Related Stories
Who’s Performing at the Halftime Show?
Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and Burna Boy, and BTS are billed as co-headliners. The show will also include:
- Gustavo Dudamel conducting musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
- the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay
- Ghetto Kids
- Emmanuel Kelly
- Kermit, Miss Piggy and other Muppet characters.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin curated the show. The performance supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Shakira’s appearance continues a two-decade association with the tournament. She and Wyclef Jean performed “Hips Don’t Lie” at the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony, “Waka Waka” was the official song of the 2010 tournament, and she and Burna Boy performed the official 2026 song, “Dai Dai,” at this year’s opening ceremony in Mexico City.
Spain are ‘THE BEST TEAM’ ahead of World Cup Final, Will they be able to stop Lionel Messi? | FTF
Spain will face Argentina in the World Cup Final having never trailed in the tournament. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes, and Danny Parkins ask if Spain can stop Lionel Messi and Argentina.
How to Watch the World Cup Final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final airs on FOX, streaming live and on demand on FOX One.
