NEW JERSEY: The stage is set for the 2026 Fifa World Cup final on Monday as Spain and Argentina go head-to-head to see who will lift the coveted golden trophy.
The final match arrives after 48 teams competed in over 100 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada over the past six weeks.
Advertisement
The event will also feature a star-studded closing ceremony and the World Cup's first-ever halftime show with headliners Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS scheduled to perform.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the match at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game kicks off at 3am Malaysian time.
Who is on the pitch?
This will likely be the final World Cup for Argentina's superstar forward Lionel Messi, whose legendary career spans two decades. Messi and Argentina are looking to repeat their 2022 World Cup win over France with a victory Monday.
Spain, meanwhile, is looking to capitalize on 19-year-old phenomenon Lamine Yamal, who helped lead Spain to the European championship in 2024. Spain has only allowed one goal in the 2026 World Cup and the team is counting on that strong defense to keep Argentina's strikers at bay Monday.
Closing ceremony adds more stars to the show
A closing ceremony before the match will add some serious star power to the lineup.
Post Malone will be the headline performer for the ceremony. Actor Tom Cruise, singers Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, and streamer IShowSpeed will also be featured in the ceremony, which is scheduled to start at 1:30am Malaysian time.
Additionally, Jennifer Hudson will perform the national anthem ahead of the match.
1st-ever halftime show features big names
This year, the World Cup final will include the event's first-ever halftime show. Global superstars Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber are the headliners.
The halftime show will also include performances by singer Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, the acclaimed choir of 4th and 5th-graders from a public elementary school in Staten Island, New York. Coldplay will also perform. - ABC News
