Get ready, because the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium isn’t just about Argentina and Spain battling it out on the pitch, even with a winner crowned from the original 48-team field. FIFA is going absolutely all-out, rolling out a seriously stacked lineup of performers before the match and at halftime. We’re talking glamor off the pitch that’s going to be just as wild as the action.
Jennifer Hudson Is Kicking Things Off With the Anthem
The pre-match closing ceremony is set to highlight multiple performances, but one name stands out big-time for the U.S. national anthem: Jennifer Hudson. This woman is a powerhouse, an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winner. She’s not just a winner; she’s the youngest woman and only the third African-American recipient to snag all four of those major American entertainment awards. Days before this huge moment, the 44-year-old talent already performed “America The Beautiful” at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Hudson first blasted onto the scene on “American Idol” and quickly became a superstar R&B singer and actress. Plus, she’s been hosting her own talk show since 2022. Talk about bringing the heat!
More Star Power Before Kickoff
While the specific songs for the other pre-match performers are still under wraps, the list of notable names taking the stage before the final begins is wild. We’ve got Laura Pausini, the 52-year-old Italian singer and songwriter who primarily jams in Italian and Spanish. She blew up in 1993 with “La solitudine” and has dropped 15 studio albums since. Plus, she’s coached on the Mexican and Spanish versions of “The Voice” and even grabbed a Grammy in 2006 for Best Latin Pop Album. Then there’s Nicole Scherzinger, who will also be at MetLife Stadium. Everyone knows her from The Pussycat Dolls, one of the world’s best-selling female groups ever. The Hawaii native has also put out solo music, judged a ton of TV talent shows, and even showed up in hits like “Moana,” “Dirty Dancing,” and “Annie Live!”. She’s got a Grammy Award nomination and a Tony Award win under her belt too.
This isn’t just a soccer match; it’s a full-blown entertainment extravaganza. Post Malone, Justin Bieber, BTS, Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed are all slated to perform at various points before and during halftime. Get ready for Sunday, because MetLife is going to be absolutely buzzing for the 2026 World Cup final. You won’t want to miss a second of it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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