Spain and Argentina play for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title Sunday, and for the first time in World Cup final history, halftime comes with its own show. When Is the World Cup Final Halftime Show? Kickoff is 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Organizers say the halftime show is expected to begin at approximately 3:45 p.m. ET, although the exact time will depend on stoppage time and when the first half ends. How Long Is the Halftime Show? World Cup matches ordinarily have a 15-minute halftime interval. Organizers say the musical performance will run 11 minutes. FIFA is targeting a total halftime break of no more than 20 minutes, although FIFA has not officially confirmed the intervals full length. Who's Performing? Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and Burna Boy, and BTS are billed as co-headliners. The show will also include: Coldplays Chris Martin curated the show. The performance supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Shakiras appearance continues a two-decade association with the tournament. She and Wyclef Jean performed "Hips Dont Lie" at the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony, "Waka Waka" was the official song of the 2010 tournament, and she and Burna Boy performed the official 2026 song, "Dai Dai," at this years opening ceremony in Mexico City. How to Watch the World Cup Final The 2026 FIFA World Cup final airs on FOX, streaming live and on demand on FOX One.

We have selected top World Cup anytime goalscorers for Sunday's Argentina vs. Spain final

Pau Cubarsi talks Aymeric Laporte, Julian Alvarez and Lionel Messi: Can imagine him playing alongside meBarcelona defender Pau Cubarsi is preparing for the biggest match of his young career, with the teenager set to become the second-youngest centre-back ever to start a FIFA World Cup final.Ahead of Spains showdown with Argentina, the 19-year-old reflected on his growing partnership with Aymeric Laporte, the challenge posed by Julian Alvarez and the opportunity to share the pitch with his childhood idol, Lionel Messi.Cubarsi has been one of Spains standout performers throughout the tournament, forming an impressive central defensive partnership with Laporte.Their understanding has played a major role in La Rojas run to the final and has further strengthened Barcelona defenders reputation as one of world footballs brightest young talents.Cubarsi hails Laporte partnership amid Barcelona linksSpeaking to TV3 (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Cubarsi explained how comfortable he has felt alongside the experienced defender during Spains World Cup campaign.The World Cup has been the first major tournament in which weve both been in the starting line-up. Ive felt very comfortable.Weve both felt very comfortable. We help each other, we instil confidence in one another and we make ourselves strong so that we concede as few goals as possible. Were doing well.Cubarsi and Laporte have been rock solid for Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)The Barcelona youngster also acknowledged the similarities between Laporte and his club teammate Inigo Martinez, suggesting he could easily imagine playing with the former Athletic Club defender at Camp Nou.Ive already been told that it looks as though it were Inigo (Martnez). Theyre both Basque, they play on the left, they have very similar profiles, and theyve got character.Ive played with him here, so I can imagine him playing alongside me, he added.Cubarsi highlights Julian Alvarez threatSpains defence will face one of its toughest tests against an Argentina attack led by Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez.Cubarsi reserved special praise for the Atletico Madrid striker, who has also been heavily linked with a future move to Barcelona.Hes a very skilful player who can find space, cut inside, and has a spectacular shot.Cubarsi has nothing but praise for Julian Alvarez. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)You always have to be alert, stay close to him, because he can hurt you at any moment.Cubarsi fulfils childhood dream by facing Lionel MessiFor all the tactical preparation, the emotional highlight for Cubarsi will be sharing the pitch with Lionel Messi.Like many young Barcelona academy graduates, the defender grew up watching the Argentine legend dominate world football at Camp Nou, making Sundays final especially meaningful.Speaking about Messi, Cubarsi said: I used to have shirts with Neymars and Piqus names on them, but Messi has always been there.Hes been one of my idols. Both I and all the Bara fans have a very special affection for him.To be able to share the pitch with him, at such a young age, is a dream come true, he concluded.