Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium transcended a mere sporting event, becoming a colossal entertainment spectacle. For the first time, the final featured a star-studded Halftime Show, curated by Chris Martin, with global icons like Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS performing to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The closing ceremony also boasted performances from Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, and Robbie Williams. Beyond the stage, a dazzling array of celebrities, including actors, musicians, and political figures, flocked to New Jersey, transforming the championship into an unprecedented cultural and social gathering. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted how the event united millions of fans on an unforgettable global stage.
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| Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner kiss ahead of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) |
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.
Timothee Chalamet & Kylie Jenner
The couple were spotted cheering — and kissing — during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final match.
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| Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) |
Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union
The celebrity couple kept it cool and casual with sunglasses and denim on the FIFA Gold Carpet event ahead of the final match.
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| Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images) |
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.
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| Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) |
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| World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
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| Carlos Alcaraz looks on before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) .. |
Tom Brady
After taking part in a World Cup event at the 2026 Fanatics Fest in New York City days earlier, the NFL star was of course on hand for the final game.
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| Tom Brady attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) |
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.
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| the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen) |
Jennifer Hudson
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| World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) |
Maria Becerra
The Argentinian singer-songwriter represented her country by performing the Argentine national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina.
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| Maria Becerra performs the Argentine national anthem before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
Thea Booysen & MrBeast
The internet-famous couple arrived and posed for photos hand-in-hand on the FIFA Gold Carpet.
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| Thea Booysen and Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) |
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
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| Post Malone performs during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
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| Post Malone and Swae Lee perform during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Less |
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
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| Swae Lee performs during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
Tate McRae
The singer-dancer was spotted smiling and keeping things casual at the game
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| EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Tate McRae attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Arturo Holmes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick
The Hollywood power couple kept intense focus on the game with Broderick even donning a World Cup Final cap.
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| Matthew Broderick attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ira L. Black - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
Peso Pluma
The Mexican musician was seated right next to Timothee Chalamet’s father, journalist Marc Chalamet, who was taking in the game with son and son’s girlfriend Kylie Jenner.
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| Peso Pluma, French journalist Marc Chalamet, French-US actor Timothee Chalamet, US Media personality Kylie Jenner, former Brazilian football player Marcelo, (2nd row) and Former French football player Zinedine Zidane (C) attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) |
Laura Pausini
The internationally acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter donned black and gold on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet before her performance as part of this year’s World Cup Closing Ceremony.
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| Laura Pausini at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Red Carpet held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Siegfried Anthony/Variety via Getty Images) |
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
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| Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini perform before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) |
Robbie Williams
The British superstar looked fired up ahead of taking the stage at the World Cup’s closing ceremony
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| British singer-Songwriter Robbie Williams is seen before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images) |
Jay-Z & Beyoncé
Still rocking his New York Yankees cap after holding his massive “Extra Innings” concerts at the Yankee Stadium last week that included a guest appearances from Beyoncé, the massive music couple were on hand to watch the World Cup final.
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| Jay-Z and Beyonce attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images) |
