2026 FIFA World Cup Final: Spain vs Argentina at MetLife Stadium

The 2026 FIFA World Cup championship will be decided on Sunday, July 19, when Spain and Argentina face off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m., with the venue set to host the first World Cup final ever played in the Garden State. An unprecedented halftime entertainment lineup, unprecedented security measures, and high‑profile transportation adjustments are all on the docket for this historic match.

Transportation Making Tracks for the Final

Transit agencies are preparing for what is expected to be the largest crowd of the tournament. NJ Transit trains will roll into the stadium starting at 10:30 a.m., a half‑hour earlier than during prior World Cup fixtures. Official shuttle buses will run continuously from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., while the stadium parking areas will open at 10 a.m. Fans heading through New York Penn Station should plan for restricted access zones up to four hours before the match, as parts of the station will be cordoned off for ticketed spectators.

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.

Gates Open Hours Before the Final

Stadium gates will swing open at 11 a.m., giving spectators plenty of time to enter long before pregame festivities begin. A closing ceremony is slated for 1:30 p.m., roughly 90 minutes before kickoff, featuring celebrity appearances and musical interludes. The pre‑match program promises high‑profile entertainment and a convivial atmosphere for fans arriving early.

Halftime Show Echoes Super Bowl Glamour

For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the championship match will showcase an expanded halftime entertainment spectacle modeled after the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show. The performance is set to start around 3:50 p.m., shortly after the first half concludes. The halftime bill features a star‑studded lineup: Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS will co‑headline. Additional acts include Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus and members of Coldplay, promising a diverse and high‑energy set.

Trump Joins Trophy Presentation

President Donald Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final and take part in both the closing ceremonies and the postgame trophy presentation. His involvement marks a shift from FIFA’s traditional protocol, where the FIFA president alone presents the World Cup trophy. Instead, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Trump will jointly hand the trophy to the winning captain after the match. The appearance highlights the United States’ growing role in hosting major international sporting events, especially ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The Final Caps a Historic North American Tournament

The final rounds out the first men’s FIFA World Cup hosted by three nations— the United States, Canada and Mexico— and the first edition to feature 48 national teams. MetLife Stadium was chosen to hold the championship match after serving as a primary venue throughout the month‑long competition. Fans are urged to arrive early, rely on public transportation where possible, and expect heightened security around the stadium and surrounding transit hubs.

Key timings at a glance:

• Gates open: 11:00 a.m.
• Closing ceremony: 1:30 p.m.
• Shuttle buses: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Train service begins: 10:30 a.m.
• Halftime show start: ~3:50 p.m.
• Kickoff: 3:00 p.m.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here’s the schedule of events for the World Cup final in New Jersey