​The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude July 19 with its championship match of Spain vs. Argentina at MetLife Stadium featuring an unprecedented halftime entertainment lineup, heightened security, major transportation changes and the participation of President Donald Trump in the trophy presentation.Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday, with thousands of fans expected to begin arriving hours earlier for the first World Cup final hosted in New Jersey.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHere’s the schedule and what to expect that day.1 / 17Brazil fans cheer before the start of a FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Norway and Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in East Rutherford, NJ.(Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com)Transportation agencies are implementing expanded operations to accommodate what is expected to be the largest crowd of the tournament.NJ Transit train service to the stadium will begin at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes earlier than during previous FIFA World Cup matches.Official shuttle buses will operate continuously from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., while stadium parking lots will open at 10 a.m.Officials are also warning fans traveling through New York Penn Station that portions of the station will be restricted to spectators with World Cup tickets for approximately four hours before kickoff, and travelers are encouraged to allow extra time.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementStadium gates will open at 11 a.m., giving spectators ample time to enter before pregame festivities begin.A closing ceremony will start approximately 90 minutes before kickoff, around 1:30 p.m., and is expected to feature celebrity performances and appearances.Scheduled participants include Robbie Williams, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Hudson, who is expected to perform the U.S. national anthem.For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the championship match will include an expanded halftime entertainment spectacle modeled after the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe performance is expected to begin at approximately 3:50 p.m., shortly after the first half concludes.The halftime show will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS.Additional performers are expected to include Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, joined by members of Coldplay.President Donald Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final and participate in both the closing ceremonies and the postgame trophy presentation.His role marks a departure from FIFA’s traditional protocol, in which the FIFA president alone presents the World Cup trophy to the winning captain.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump are expected to jointly present the trophy to the championship team following the match.The appearance comes as the United States prepares to host another major international sporting event, the 2028 Summer