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The World Cup final has attracted a star-studded lineup of celebrities, with Tom Cruise, Madonna, Shakira and other global icons expected to light up MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
After five weeks of action involving more than 100 matches across three countries, Spain and Argentina will battle for the World Cup title in front of about 80,000 fans at the New Jersey venue, with billions more watching worldwide.
Beyond the football, the final will feature major entertainment moments, including a closing-ceremony appearance by Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, along with performances by other international stars.
Cruise is expected to appear at the pre-game ceremony at 1:30 pm (1730 GMT), with British singer Robbie Williams, Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger, and Oscar-winning singer Jennifer Hudson, who will perform the US national anthem.
Fans are also hoping Cruise delivers another memorable stunt after his dramatic appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony, where he rappelled from the roof of the Stade de France.
American rapper and singer Post Malone and popular streamer IShowSpeed are also expected to attend the final.
The biggest entertainment moment will come during the 11-minute halftime show, the first of its kind in World Cup history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the show as “the biggest in the world.”
The performance lineup includes Madonna, who recently released a new album at 67, alongside Justin Bieber, K-pop group BTS, and Colombian singer Shakira, whose song “Dai Dai” with Nigerian artist Burna Boy serves as the tournament’s official song.
Other performers include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a New York choir, with support from Coldplay, whose lead singer Chris Martin helped organise the show.
The halftime event will also support an education programme led by FIFA and non-governmental organisation Global Citizen.
However, organisers face questions over whether the performance will extend beyond the usual 15-minute halftime break.
Setting up and removing the stage could add extra time, after last year’s Club World Cup final at the same stadium saw halftime last more than 24 minutes.
US President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the World Cup final.
