Madonna, Burna Boy, and other A-list stars to headline World Cup final entertainment
The World Cup tournament concludes with a final match between Spain and Argentina, but the event is also set to feature an array of musical and entertainment stars. The final, hosted at MetLife Stadium, will include performances from artists such as Madonna, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, alongside appearances by actor Tom Cruise and other notable figures.
The entertainment schedule for the final on Sunday, July 19, includes a pre-game closing ceremony and a significant halftime show. The tournament, which spanned five weeks and involved over 100 matches across three countries, culminates with these high-profile performances.
Pre-Game and Closing Ceremony Highlights
The pre-game closing ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 pm (1730 GMT). Tom Cruise is expected to make a special appearance during this segment. His involvement follows a previous show-stopping stunt at the Olympic closing ceremony in Stade de France in 2024, where he abseiled from the stadium roof.
Other performers slated for the pre-game ceremony include British pop star Robbie Williams, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who will sing the US national anthem. American rapper-singer Post Malone and streamer IShowSpeed are also expected to be in attendance. US President Donald Trump will also be present at the event.
Halftime Show Extravaganza
The main entertainment event will be the 11-minute halftime show, marking the first time such a spectacle has been held in World Cup history. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described it as potentially the “biggest in the world.”
The halftime stage will feature a collaboration of prominent artists. Madonna, who recently released a new album, will share the stage with Justin Bieber, K-pop megagroup BTS, and Shakira. Shakira‘s song “Dai Dai,” a collaboration with Burna Boy, is the official song of the tournament. Other performers include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a New York chorus, accompanied by Coldplay, whose frontman Chris Martin curated the entire show.
The halftime event is also designed to raise money for an education initiative, a joint effort between FIFA and the non-governmental organization Global Citizen. The duration of the halftime show, at 11 minutes, has raised questions about whether it will extend beyond the usual 15-minute match break, given the time required for stage setup and dismantling. During last year’s Club World Cup final, held at the same stadium, the break lasted over 24 minutes.
Artist Compensation and Exposure
The artists performing at the 2026 World Cup halftime show, including Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber, do not receive a fixed payment for their participation. This arrangement is similar to the Super Bowl halftime show, where organizers cover production and logistics costs rather than paying performance fees.
The primary benefit for these artists is the global exposure they gain from performing on such a prominent stage. This exposure is expected to lead to increased earnings from sales, streaming, and other revenue streams. Artists do receive a small stipend to cover expenses during rehearsals for the show. Historically, artists participating in previous World Cup ceremonies have agreed to perform without traditional payment, often experiencing significant growth on their digital platforms in the weeks following the event.
The final match between Spain and Argentina will determine the champion, with Argentina vying for a second title and Spain aiming to add a second star to their history.
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Source: channelstv.com
