The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax on Sunday, July 19, 2026, as Argentina and Spain meet at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — and the crowd of celebrities filling the host venue for the World Cup final is nearly as decorated as the two sides facing off.
Star power has followed the tournament since it opened, when the likes of Shakira, Michael Bublé and Katy Perry helped kick off the North American tournament by performing as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremonies. FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi shared that the closing festivities are built to match that energy with this year’s final adding a first to the sport’s biggest stage: a Halftime Show.
For the first time in World Cup history, the final will pause for musical performances at halftime. Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, headliners Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS will showcase a global range of music with the artists respectively representing the United States, Colombia, Canada and South Korea.
The four superstars are reportedly set to be joined by British rockers Coldplay, Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel and New York City’s PS22 Chorus, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber previously said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Meanwhile, the World Cup’s closing ceremony will feature Jennifer Hudson performing the U.S. national anthem, as well as a lineup set to include Post Malone, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and IShowSpeed.
“We are thrilled to have so many stars taking to the pitch, from both the football and entertainment worlds,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a press release, adding that the ceremony would “set the tone for a historic FIFA World Cup final, uniting the passion of 48 teams, 16 host cities and millions of fans on one unforgettable stage.”
The star wattage has been on the East Coast all week with Kevin Durant pulling Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Travis Scott, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Rubin and Novak Djokovic — along with finalists Rodri, Emiliano Martínez and Lionel Messi — into one massive selfie taken at a press conference ahead of the World Cup Final at Fanatics Fest in New York on Friday, July 17.
By Sunday, Pausini, Hart, Winnie Harlow, Odell Beckham Jr., Julia Garner, Gayle King and more were among the first to arrive at the New Jersey finale. Here’s a look at the celebrities turning out for the World Cup’s grand finish.
Hoyeon & Carlos Alcaraz
The Squid Games actress and Spanish tennis player presented the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk containing the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy ahead of the final match between Spain and Argentina.
Luciana & Matt Damon
The couple made clear who they’re rooting for with film producer Luciana, who was born in Argentina, decked in the team’s colors while Matt went for a more neutral navy shirt and jeans.
Jennifer Hudson
The singer and talk show host performed the U.S. national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match.
Post Malone
Rocking a T-shirt with a truly sportsmanship message ahead of the game of “I Just Hope Both Teams Have Fun,” Posty performed during the closing ceremony taking place ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina.
Swae Lee
The Rae Sremmurd singer-rapper was also on hand to perform at closing ceremony taking place ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match including teaming up with Post Malone.
Laura Pausini
The internationally acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter donned black and gold on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet event. Pausini was a performer during this year’s World Cup Closing Ceremony.
Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams & Laura Pausini
Representing the U.S., the U.K. and Italy, the trio sang as part of the closing ceremony festivities.
Julia Garner
The actress and New York City native, who’s been linked to star in Madonna’s long-rumored biopic, rocked a chic leather jacket for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet.
IShowSpeed
Donning all white during a colorful performance, the streamer-turned-musician showed off some soccer skills and did a backflip as part of the World Cup Final’s closing ceremonies.
Winnie Harlow
The Canadian supermodel kept things light on the FIFA Gold Carpet event ahead of the final match dressed in white, light tan and gold.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. and his son Zydn showed support for Argentina via his son’s jersey on the FIFA Gold Carpet before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match. Beckham has previously shared snaps of his son rocking Argentina jerseys making this a must-see match for son and father.
Kevin Hart & Eniko Hart
The actor-model couple came through in comfy athleisure wear for the FIFA Gold Carpet before the game.
James Harden
The NBA legend also made sure to make an appearance on the FIFA Gold Carpet ahead of the final matchup.
María Valverde & Gustavo Dudamel
Venezuelan conductor and Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel was tapped to join the World Cup Final halftime show to honor Venezuela and conduct the New York Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. He arrived to the match with his wife, Spanish actress Maria Valverde.
Gayle King
The CBS Mornings host, Oprah Daily editor and broadcast journalist had family at the World Cup finale with her son William Bumpus Jr. on her side. The two were spotted with King’s good friend Nina Cooper and Praxis Labs founder Elise Smith at the FIFA Gold Carpet ahead of the game.
Christopher Macchio
The classical crossover tenor and New York native delivered a special rendition of “America the Beautiful” ahead of the World Cup final.
Tom Cruise
The actor sprinted onto the World Cup stage to speak ahead of the final match.
Melania & Donald Trump
The First Couple made a rare joint appearance for the World Cup with DJT spotted shaking hands with Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in the company of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
