World Cup final to feature massive American-style entertainment show

The final of the World Cup in East Rutherford is set to be preceded by an elaborate pre-game show, adopting an American entertainment model. The spectacle will begin 90 minutes before kickoff, featuring a lineup of international music and entertainment stars.

Among the performers are British singer Robbie Williams, Italian artist Laura Pausini, and American singer Nicole Scherzinger, who are co-writers of the tournament's anthem, 'Desire.' They are expected to perform the song during the ceremony. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is also slated as a special guest. The U.S. national anthem will be performed by the multi-award-winning Jennifer Hudson.

Inspired by the halftime shows of the NFL's Super Bowl, FIFA will present its first-ever halftime musical performance during a World Cup final. This mid-game spectacle will include performances by global artists such as Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, the South Korean group BTS, and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The program was developed in collaboration with Chris Martin, the lead singer of the British band Coldplay.

This halftime show carries a significant charitable component. Organizers aim to support FIFA's Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education for children worldwide. This initiative marks one of the largest charitable efforts FIFA has linked to a World Cup. Stadium gates will open four hours before the final match, offering attendees additional entertainment and events.

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symbolically round off a tournament that, for the first time in history, took place with 48 teams and in three host countries – USA, Canada, and Mexico.