FIFA Unveils 11-Minute World Cup Final Halftime Show as Tom Cruise Joins 1:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony
Updated
Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 19
FIFA Unveils 11-Minute World Cup Final Halftime Show as Tom Cruise Joins 1:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony
3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 19
Summary
Sunday’s World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium will pair Spain-Argentina with FIFA’s first final halftime show, set to start around 3:45 p.m. ET during an expanded break capped at about 20 minutes.
Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy are billed as co-headliners for the 11-minute set, with Chris Martin curating a lineup that also includes Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, Ghetto Kids and Muppet characters.
At 1:30 p.m. ET, the pre-match closing ceremony will feature Tom Cruise, Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, while Jennifer Hudson performs the U.S. national anthem.
The halftime performance supports FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which is seeking $100 million for children’s access to education and football, extending the tournament’s push for a broader global spectacle.
Is the World Cup's first half-time show a landmark celebration or a dangerous gamble with player safety?
As ticket prices soar, is FIFA's Americanized World Cup alienating loyal fans in its pursuit of massive profits?
"How the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Aims to Raise $100 Million and Redefine Global Sports Entertainment"
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, taking place tomorrow at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature an unprecedented Super Bowl-style halftime show. This 11-minute spectacle is designed to captivate a global audience with its impressive scale and star power, transforming the traditional halftime break into a standalone entertainment event. Major artists like Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy are set to perform, promising a diverse and electrifying experience. This innovative approach aims to elevate the World Cup final, blending world-class music with the excitement of football for millions of viewers worldwide.