The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain promises to be more than football’s biggest match. Fans at New York New Jersey Stadium will witness a star-studded closing ceremony and the tournament’s first-ever halftime show.
The event is also expected to culminate with US President Donald Trump joining FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the trophy presentation after the final.
The final begins at 3 pm ET, but celebrations will start nearly 90 minutes earlier.
Heimo Schirgi, FIFA Chief Operating Officer, said in a press release, “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.”
Post Malone headlines closing ceremony before game
FIFA has said the closing ceremony will celebrate the journey of all 48 participating nations across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Post Malone will headline FIFA’s official closing ceremony before the match. The ceremony is expected to feature appearances from actor Tom Cruise, internet personality IShowSpeed, British singer Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini.
Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem before kick-off.
FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show
The 2026 World Cup will introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show in tournament history. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has curated the production, which is expected to last about 11 minutes. With setup and takedown time taken into consideration, the players’ break may be longer than 20 minutes.
The halftime lineup includes Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS and renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The PS 22 Choir from Staten Island will also perform with Coldplay. Several Sesame Street characters are expected to make appearances during the show.
FIFA said the halftime show will support the Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education and sports for children worldwide.
Trump at the final expected to present trophy
Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final and participate in the trophy presentation alongside Infantino, according to Yahoo Sports.
Trump has also made headlines during the tournament. Earlier in the competition, he reportedly contacted Infantino regarding the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA later overturned the suspension, allowing Balogun to feature in the Round of 16.
Other world leaders expected at the World Cup final
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are also expected to attend following an invitation from Trump. The leaders represent the three nations co-hosting the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup and previously appeared together during the tournament draw in Washington last December.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has also confirmed an appearance on Friday to watch their country play in the final. King Felipe VI is also expected to attend given Spain’s chance at winning the World Cup after 2010.
However, Argentina President Javier Milei has decided against attending the match. Milei on Thursday that his decision to skip the largest football game is solely due to superstition known locally as cábalas. Milei is reluctant to risk ending Argentina’s winning streak in the seven World Cup matches he has watched from home.
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani will also be in attendance at the World Cup Final.
Several other celebrities have attended World Cup matches throughout the tournament. Multiple outlets reported appearances by stars such as Travis Scott, Javier Bardem, Jeff Bezos, Drake, Ryan Reynolds and other entertainment figures.
While more celebrities could attend Sunday’s final, FIFA has not confirmed additional guest appearances.
