The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature Spain taking on Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET. On the morning of kickoff, “The Star‑Spangled Banner” will be sung, making the United States the host nation whose anthem opens the championship match. This marks a departure from recent World Cup customs, where only the two finalists usually hear their own national anthems.
Performance Details
EGOT‑winning artist Jennifer Hudson has been selected to deliver a special rendition of the U.S. anthem. FIFA officials described her performance as part of a broader halftime show and closing ceremony program that will bring the tournament full circle. The decision to feature Hudson adds a high‑profile musical element to the pre‑match festivities.
Context and Precedent
Historically, the World Cup final respects the two competing nations, playing their anthems in the lead‑up to the game. Host nations have rarely been honored with their own anthem during the final match. The 2026 final is the first to break that pattern, raising questions about the criteria FIFA used to make the choice. Additionally, FIFA has not yet announced whether the anthems of the other host countries—Canada and Mexico—will be performed during the ceremony.
The 2026 tournament is the first World Cup staged across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Featuring the U.S. anthem may reflect the tournament’s goal of uniting diverse cultures through sport. Jennifer Hudson’s rendition is expected to echo the spirit of the opening ceremonies, creating a bookend that highlights the event’s global reach.
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
US forward #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images)
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
US forward #20 Folarin Balogun (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images)
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States scores his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Richard Heathcote, Getty Images)
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
Cesar Samudio #12 of Panama fails to save a shot from Giovanni Reyna #7 of the United States as he scores his team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
US midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna (R) scores his team’s fourth goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
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Photos reveal unforgettable World Cup action and emotion
US players celebrate the fourth goal by midfielder #07 Giovanni Reyna during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on June 12, 2026.
(VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images)
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