2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Spotlight

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final marks a landmark moment for the sport, as the championship game will feature an American‑style halftime show for the first time in the competition’s 96‑year history. The spectacle will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19. This unusual addition underscores the growing cultural crossover between soccer and mainstream entertainment in the United States.

Historic First for the World Cup

In a break with tradition, the final will pause for a music interlude curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The show’s timing is linked to the match clock, beginning after the first half and any stoppage time, slated to start around 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on FOX. A Spanish‑language broadcast will also air on Telemundo for bilingual audiences.

Who’s on Stage?

The halftime lineup blends pop legends with K‑pop power, beginning with Madonna, known for her high‑energy performances. Shakira partners with Burna Boy, bringing a blend of Latin rhythms and afro‑beat vibes. Justin Bieber follows, delivering his chart‑topping hits, while BTS—RM, Jin, SUGA, j‑hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook—perform together as a group. The evening’s orchestral backbone is provided by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel.

Closing Ceremony Extras

Beyond the halftime show, a pre‑final closing ceremony is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT. Performers include Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Robbie Williams, adding further star power to the festivities. Influencer IShowSpeed and actor Tom Cruise are also slated to make special appearances, enhancing the entertainment appeal.

National Anthem and Pre‑Match Entertainments

Jennifer Hudson will open the day with the U.S. national anthem, “The Star‑Spangled Banner,” before the match begins. Her rendition adds a soulful touch to the overall program. This performance sets the tone for a weekend filled with music and soccer.

When to Tune In

Viewers in the United States can catch the action live on FOX, with the halftime show beginning roughly 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. For Spanish‑language fans, Telemundo provides an alternative broadcast. The closing ceremony starts an hour and a half before the final, giving fans time to settle in.

Free Streaming Options

Several streaming services offer ways to watch FOX without a traditional cable package. DirecTV’s “Entertainment” package includes the FOX One app and currently grants new subscribers a five‑day free trial at $59.99 for the first month. Fubo provides access to the FOX One app with a five‑day free trial and costs $63.99 for the inaugural month. Hulu + Live TV also grants a three‑day free trial and bundles Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited for added value.

Additionally, Amazon Prime members can add the FOX One channel for $19.99 per month, giving them live access to FOX, FS1, FS2, FOX News, and other networks. Sling Blue includes FOX and costs $45.99 per month, while also offering a user guide for further setup details. All of these options aim to make the historic halftime show accessible to a broad audience.