​The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching its final moments, with the tournament drawing to a close next week as the world’s top national teams continue to clash across venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The competition, which began on June 11, will culminate in a grand finale that introduces a first-ever halftime show for the World Cup final, adding an extra layer of spectacle to the closing match.
For the first time in World Cup history, a halftime performance will accompany the championship match. The announced lineup features a blend of high-profile musical acts, including Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber, with Burna Boy also contributing to the official soundtrack of the tournament. Shakira, who has been a prominent presence at this World Cup by performing during Mexico’s opening ceremony, is making her fourthappearance at a World Cup event. She is returning to the global stage for the first time since 2014, continuing her long association with the tournament’s musical moments.
In addition to Shakira and her fellow headliners, Canadian pop sensation Justin Bieber has been confirmed to join the star-studded lineup. The festival-style halftime show promises to bring a dynamic mix of pop, dance, and global appeal to the proceedings. The FIFA announcement, made on July 8, confirmed Bieber’s participation as part of the ensemble that will entertain audiences during the final match.
As fans gear up for what promises to be a memorable night, anticipation is running high about the details of the World Cup final. The match is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The halftime show is expected to begin around 3:50 p.m. ET, in line with the typical structure of a final where the ceremony precedes or accompanies the second half.
TV coverage will be provided by FOX in the United States, including WXIX-TV and Fox19 in Cincinnati, ensuring widespread national and regional access to both the match and the halftime performance. Viewers seeking streaming options can tune into Fubo or the Fox One App for live action, while Spanish-language coverage will be available on Telemundo and Peacock for audiences seeking bilingual or Spanish-language broadcasts. The 11-minute halftime show, as outlined by FIFA, will be a concise yet impactful segment designed to provide a global musical interlude between the halves, a shorter window than the typical Super Bowl halftime, which often runs longer.
The final itself represents more than just a championship game; it marks a landmark moment in the relationship between football and pop culture, with a curated lineup that brings together artists from various genres and generations. The collaboration aims to capture the global spirit of the World Cup, delivering a performance that resonates with fans across continents while celebrating the culmination of a tournament that has spanned months of competition, controversy, and celebration.
Beyond the on-field action, the event also continues to illustrate how the World Cup increasingly blends sport and entertainment, offering a comprehensive experience that extends from the kickoff banner to the credits of the halftime show. As teams prepare for the final showdown, fans can look forward to a night that promises to be as memorable for its musical moments as for the athletic achievement of the players on the field. This year’s World Cup final, with its inaugural halftime show, is set to leave a lasting impression on the legacy of the tournament, reflecting the evolving landscape of global sports entertainment.
This report was contributed by Victoria Hernandez of USA Today and originally published by the Cincinnati Enquirer, highlighting the lineup and schedule associated with the 2026 World Cup halftime show and final.