World Cup Final Half-Time Show: Who is performing, what time does it start, how long will it last & how to watch

The curtain will officially close on this summer's action-packed World Cup this coming Sunday (19th July).

Whilst the match itself will capture the attention of the watching world, fans are also being treated to a specially arranged half-time show, in the mould of the now iconic Super Bowl half-time performance.

The show will be staged in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that is working towards riasing £75 million to help youngsters around the world to access education and football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently described the half-time show as a "ground-breaking spectacle" to help "celebrate football, music and our shared values."

Ahead of the event at this weekend's World Cup final we have compiled details of everything you need to know, including details on when it is expected to start, how long it will last and who is performing.

When and where is the half-time show taking place?

The 2026 World Cup final half-time show will take place inside the New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium, the same venue that hosts the match itself, on Sunday 19th July, 2026.

With kick-off scheduled for 20:00 (BST), it's expected the show will get underway between 20:50 (BST) and 21:00 (BST), although this is, of course, dependent upon the length of additional time played at the end of the first-half.

Who is performing at the half-time show?

• Madonna
• Shakira
• BTS
• Justin Bieber
• Burna Boy
• Gustavo Dudamel
• PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay

A star-studded line-up has been announced for this weekend's half-time show, with pop sensations Madonna and Shakira set to co-headline the event.

K-pop sensations BTS will also take to the stage, as will Justin Bieber who was announced as a late inclusion last week.

Other acts set to feature include Burna Boy and Gustavo Dudamel, whilst English star Chris Martin, who has curated the show, will feature with his fellow Coldplay band members alongside the P22 Chorus Choir.

How long will the half-time show last?

It's been reported that the half-time show will last 11 minutes, although given the time it will take to construct and deconstruct the on-field stage, the actual time of the half-time break will far exceed the standard 15 minutes.

FIFA President Ginanni Infantino is believed to have derived the plan for the 11 minute show based on the fact that 11 players represent each of the two teams involved in all football matches at professional level.

Historically, half-time intervals have not been allowed to exceed 15 minutes - due to a law governed by Ifab (The International Football Association Board), however, special dispensation has been granted for this weekend's showpiece.

A precedent for this situation was set 12 months ago at the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, when the interval lasted around 30 minutes, with the half-time show at that event featuring the likes of Coldplay and J Balvin.

How to watch the half-time show

Whilst BBC and ITV both initially held reservations about showing the full half-time show, it's now expected that both will broadcast the event.

ITV announced on Tuesday that they will show the spectacle in its entirety via the press association and BBC are expected to follow suit in the coming days.

ITVX, the online live streaming platform, will also be showing the half-time show, together with the full World Cup final, for fans on the go.

Will there be a World Cup closing ceremony?

In addition to the half-time show FIFA have confirmed there will be a World Cup closing ceremony.

The procession is scheduled to start at 18:30 (BST), 90 minutes before kick-off, with a number of international superstars, including Tom Cruise, Nicol Scherzinger, IShowSpeed and Robbie Williams, performing.

EMMY, Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson will also perform the American national anthem during the ceremony.