Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude with a spectacular entertainment program on Sunday as a host of international stars, including Tom Cruise, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Jennifer Hudson, take center stage before and during the final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
After five weeks of competition across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament will crown its champion in front of more than 80,000 fans inside the stadium and billions of viewers worldwide.
Hollywood stars present
The closing ceremony, scheduled to begin before kickoff, will feature Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, whose appearance has sparked speculation after his memorable stunt during the handover ceremony from the Paris 2024 Olympics to Los Angeles 2028.
Also set to perform are Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and Nicole Scherzinger, who sing the tournament’s official anthem, Desire. American streamer IShowSpeed, rapper Post Malone, and Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson, who will perform the U.S. national anthem, are also part of the festivities.
A precedent
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the final will feature an 11-minute halftime show, inspired by the Super Bowl.
Produced by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the performance will bring together an international lineup led by Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira, whose World Cup anthem with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, Dai Dai, has become one of the tournament’s signature songs.
The show will also feature renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, a New York choir, and members of Coldplay.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the performance as “the greatest stage of all time.”
More than entertainment
Beyond the spectacle, the halftime show will support a charitable cause, raising funds for educational initiatives led by FIFA and the international nonprofit Global Citizen, which was co-founded by Chris Martin.
Although FIFA has announced an 11-minute performance, the halftime interval is expected to last longer to allow for the installation and removal of the stage, similar to the extended break during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final.
