How long will the 2026 FIFA World Cup half-time show be? Who is performing? Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna set to star at Argentina v Spain

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We have all the information you need on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony and half-time show, which is set to feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, and more. Argentina take on Spain in New Jersey in a mouthwatering clash.

France were 'ashamed' by first-half display against England - Tchouameni

Video credit: SNTV

The United States public have embraced their World Cup hosting duties with as much gusto as they did back in 1994, the previous time the tournament came to their country.

Back then, the opening ceremony featured Diana Ross failing to convert a spot-kick in front of a collapsing, artificial goalmouth.

Of course, opening and closing ceremonies are now established conventions of most major sporting occasions.

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Who does not still hum the famous ‘Waka Waka’ hit single for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, performed by Shakira?

Perhaps there is no more famous ceremony, though, than the Super Bowl half-time show, where the NFL audiences have been treated to Kendrick Lamar taunting his Canadian arch-nemesis, Drake, or the likes of Aerosmith performing on the big stage.

This time around, FIFA is going the whole hog, and putting on two live performances; one before kick-off, and one at half-time.

Here are all the details about the key aspects of the performances, and also the match that is played in between these cultural milestones.

When is the World Cup final? Where is it being played?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, between Argentina and Spain, will be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.

Kick-off is at 20:00 UK time.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup final closing ceremony?

The World Cup closing ceremony starts at 13:30 local time (17:30 UK time) in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19.

Pop star Jennifer Hudson will sing the United States national anthem before kick-off.

The ceremony will also celebrate each of the 48 teams who took part in this summer’s expanded tournament across 16 host cities and three host countries.

France were 'ashamed' by first-half display against England - Tchouameni

Video credit: SNTV

When does the 2026 FIFA World Cup half-time show start?

Standard football halves last 45 minutes, but the precise running time can, of course, vary because of stoppages.

That means the half-time ceremony will start roughly 45 minutes after kick-off, which is expected to be shortly after 15:45 local time (20:45 UK time), depending on the aforementioned stoppages.

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How long is the half-time show expected to last?

FIFA is yet to confirm the length of the interval, but a report says the show will last 17 minutes.

The Laws of the Game, written by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), state that half-time should not exceed 15 minutes without the referee’s approval.

Last summer's Club World Cup final had an interval that lasted just under 25 minutes.

The 2024 Copa America final was another to feature a half-time show, taking around 25 minutes.

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Who is performing at the World Cup closing ceremony?

US pop sensation Post Malone will be the headline performer, with appearances from Italian singer Laura Pausini, American star Nicole Scherzinger, British pop star Robbie Williams and YouTube content creator IShowSpeed.

Actor Tom Cruise (Taps, Mission Impossible 3, Mission Impossible 4, Mission Impossible 5, Knight and Day) is also due to feature.

Who is performing at the half-time show?

Justin Bieber is expected to perform with Madonna, Shakira and BTS at Sunday’s half-time show.

Nigerian star Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 Chorus are also expected to perform with Coldplay's Chris Martin.

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