The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will include two live performances: one before kickoff and another at halftime. The match between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 3:00 PM local time (19:00 GMT).

The closing ceremony, beginning at 1:30 PM local time (17:30 GMT), will be headlined by American rapper-singer Post Malone. Other performers include Italian singer Laura Pausini, American singer Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Robbie Williams, and YouTube creator IShowSpeed. Actor Tom Cruise is also set to make a special appearance.

The halftime show will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS as headliners, joined by Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and New York's PS22 Chorus. The performance is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

The halftime show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to education for children. Justin Bieber expressed gratitude for participating in the initiative.

Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem before kickoff. The ceremony, produced by Balich Wonder Studio, celebrates the tournament's defining moments and global football appeal after a month of competition across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The halftime break may be extended from the standard 15 minutes to 20–25 minutes to accommodate stage setup and removal on the pitch. FIFA has not detailed how the extension will be implemented under IFAB rules.

The match will be broadcast in the U.S. on FOX and Telemundo, in Canada on CTV and TSN, in Mexico on TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca, and ViX, and across MENA on beIN Sports.

Source: www.aljazeera.com