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Post Malone, Madonna and BTS: World Cup final ceremony and half-time show timings and how to watch
AE⚽ Sports11 days ago

Post Malone, Madonna and BTS: World Cup final ceremony and half-time show timings and how to watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, will include a pre-kickoff closing ceremony and a halftime show, marking a new format for the tournament. The closing ceremony, starting at 1:30 PM local time (9:30 PM UAE time), will feature performances by Post Malone, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams, along with a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. The halftime show, set to begin around midnight local time, includes acts like Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. This expansion reflects FIFA's effort to blend football with global pop culture.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, will feature two major entertainment highlights: a closing ceremony before the match and a halftime show modeled after the Super Bowl. These events mark a departure from traditional World Cup formats, offering fans a blend of music, culture and spectacle. The closing ceremony, beginning at 1.30pm local time (9.30pm in the UAE), will precede the kickoff by 90 minutes. It will include performances by Post Malone, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams. Additionally, American actor Tom Cruise is expected to make a special appearance, similar to his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, where he rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem prior to the match, followed by the national anthems of Spain and Argentina as the teams take their positions. Fifa described the ceremony as reflecting the scale of the tournament, which saw 48 teams compete across Canada, Mexico and the United States. The event aims to bring the competition full circle through music, culture and football, highlighting the global reach of the sport. The World Cup final is set to kick off at 3pm local time (11pm in the UAE), with the halftime show expected around midnight, contingent on the duration of the first half. The performance will last approximately 11 minutes, showcasing a diverse lineup of artists. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber has joined the lineup, representing one of the three host nations. Other confirmed performers include Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Burna Boy. Both Shakira and Burna Boy previously performed at the opening ceremony on June 11, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, known for leading the New York Philharmonic, will also be part of the lineup. The performance will also feature PS22 Chorus, a Staten Island school choir, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, aligning with the show's educational focus and its ties to the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund. Despite the variety of acts, no set list has been released. Based on previous World Cup opening ceremonies in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, which often included multiple stars within tight timeframes, audiences can expect brief segments rather than full performances. There is speculation that Shakira may revisit her 2010 World Cup hit "Waka Waka," following the relatively subdued reception of her current track "Dai Dai" at the Mexico ceremony. This could provide a nostalgic touch for fans familiar with her earlier work. Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber are among the key names on the lineup, each bringing distinct appeal to the event. Their inclusion underscores the growing influence of pop culture in international sports events, blending entertainment with the competitive spirit of football. As the countdown to the final continues, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the unique combination of talent and creativity that the World Cup promises.

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2 reports

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 8015 days ago
Post Malone, Madonna and BTS: World Cup final ceremony and half-time show timings and how to watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, will include a pre-kickoff closing ceremony and a halftime show, marking a new format for the tournament. The closing ceremony, starting at 1:30 PM local time (9:30 PM UAE time), will feature performances by Post Malone, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams, along with a special appearance by Tom Cruise. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. The halftime show, set to begin around midnight local time, includes acts like Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. This expansion reflects FIFA's effort to blend football with global pop culture.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the entertainment aspects of the World Cup final, detailing performers and event logistics without political commentary or ideological framing. It presents information objectively, balancing the inclusion of various artists and cultural elements without favoring any particular

Why factuality (85): This article provides detailed information about the 2026 World Cup final schedule, including performers and timing, which aligns with the cross-source consensus. It accurately describes the new format of the halftime show and mentions specific artists and events, supporting the factual claims with

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting information objectively without apparent bias. It clearly outlines the structure of the event and the participants involved, providing a balanced overview without injecting personal opinion or emotional language.

Gulf News logoGulf NewsParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 75Objective 6511 days ago
Why BTS, Shakira, Madonna and Bieber weren't paid traditional performance fees for FIFA World Cup halftime show

The article discusses why prominent artists such as BTS, Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber did not receive traditional performance fees for their participation in the FIFA World Cup halftime show. It suggests that these performers were likely compensated through alternative means rather than standard payment structures typically associated with such high-profile events. The piece explores potential reasons behind this financial arrangement, possibly involving sponsorships, brand endorsements, or other forms of compensation outside conventional performance contracts. This approach might reflect broader trends in how major global events financially engage celebrity performers.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural events and entertainment industry practices, which are generally considered non-political. There is no indication of political bias in the framing or content of the article.

Why factuality (75): The article references the claim that BTS, Shakira, Madonna, and Bieber were not paid traditional performance fees for the FIFA World Cup halftime show. This aligns with the cross-source consensus that these artists were compensated through sponsorship deals rather than traditional fees. However, sp

Why objectivity (65): The tone leans slightly towards highlighting the novelty of the halftime show format and the involvement of high-profile artists, which may suggest a more promotional angle. While the information presented is generally factual, there is a subtle emphasis on the significance of the event, which could

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