The FIFA Men’s World Cup final has always been football’s biggest occasion. This year, it will also become the most ambitious entertainment event in the tournament’s history.
Fans at Monday’s final (NZT) will see a full showbiz-centric programme before kick-off, a first-ever World Cup half-time show and the traditional trophy presentation that crowns the new world champions.
Here is what fans can expect …
Closing ceremony before kick-off
The official closing ceremony will begin about 90 minutes before the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Rather than focusing on one host nation, FIFA say the ceremony will celebrate the entire 39-day tournament, featuring all 48 participating countries and the cultural diversity shown across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
American music star Post Malone will headline the entertainment, joined by a cast that includes Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Tom Cruise and online creator IShowSpeed. FIFA say the ceremony has been designed as a celebration of football, music and global culture before the world’s biggest match begins.
Fans inside the stadium have also been encouraged to arrive early, with organisers planning interactive elements involving the crowd.
Main photo: A taste of what’s to come … the scene at MetLife Stadium a year ago when teams from Chelsea and Fluminense ran onto the pitch for their FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. Photo credit: FIFA via David Ramos/Getty Images).
A historic half-time show
The biggest change comes once the match is underway.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the final will include a dedicated half-time entertainment show inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl tradition.
The performance has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen.
The line-up is expected to include Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy, while conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Sesame Street characters and The Muppets are also scheduled to appear. The show supports the Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to education and football worldwide.
Though the musical performance itself is expected to last about 11 minutes, television viewers should expect a longer interval than usual because of the time needed to build and remove the stage.
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The trophy presentation
Once the football is over, attention will quickly turn to one of sport’s most recognisable ceremonies.
Organisers have indicated that the presentation ceremony will be led by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and he and United States president Donald Trump will jointly participate in the trophy presentation.
The runners-up will first receive their silver medals before the match officials are recognised.
The winning players will then be presented with gold medals before the team captain lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy, signalling the official end of the tournament.
As tradition dictates, golden confetti and fireworks will accompany the trophy lift before the victorious squad celebrate on the presentation stage with FIFA officials and dignitaries.
Timeline
The cup final — including its before and aftermatch entertainment — could take up to five hours, if the game runs to extra time and penalties.
Here’s the running order to help fans plan their enjoyment of the big match …
Event
Local time (Sunday)
NZ time (Monday)
Stadium entertainment begins
1pm
5am
Official FIFA closing ceremony
1.30pm
5.30am
TVNZ coverage begins
2pm
6am
Teams leave dressing rooms
2.45pm
6.45am
National anthems
2.52pm
6.52am
Kick-off
3pm
7am
Expected half-time whistle
3.47pm
7.47am
First-ever FIFA World Cup half-time show
3.50pm
7.50am
Second half begins
About 4.05pm
About 8.05am
End of 90 minutes (without stoppage time)
About 4.52pm
About 8.52am
If decided in normal time – trophy presentation
About 5.05-5.15pm
About 9.05-9.15am
If extra time required
5.00-5.30pm
9.00-9.30am
If penalties required
About 5.35-5.45pm
About 9.35-9.45am
Trophy presentation after penalties
About 5.50-6pm
About 9.50-10am
Fixture
Game to be played on Monday July 20, 2026
Final
Spain v Argentina
New York New Jersey Stadium, New York, 7am (NZT)
How to watch
Requires event pass.
Free-to-air.
This story was first published on July 19, 2026.