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The FIFA World Cup final is set to be much more than a football match, with a day-long programme of entertainment, celebrations and historic firsts planned around Monday’s (Bangladesh Time) title clash between Argentina and Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
From a star-studded closing ceremony before kick-off to the tournament’s first-ever halftime show and the presentation of a new championship ring for the winners, organisers have promised one of the most spectacular finales in World Cup history.
The festivities will begin around 90 minutes before kick-off. The closing ceremony is scheduled to start 11:30 pm Bangladesh time, with Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson performing the United States national anthem.
The pre-match entertainment will also feature performances by Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and popular YouTuber IShowSpeed. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is expected to make a special appearance during the ceremony.
One of the biggest innovations will come during the interval. For the first time in the World Cup’s 96-year history, the final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show.
The 11-minute performance is expected to include Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and South Korean pop sensation BTS, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin overseeing the production.
Although the live performance itself is expected to last around 11 minutes, the full halftime break could extend to between 20 and 25 minutes, or even longer, to allow for stage installation and removal. That would exceed the 15-minute interval stipulated in the Laws of the Game, meaning players may require additional warm-up time before the second half.
The celebrations will continue after the final whistle.
United States President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino are expected to present the World Cup trophy to the victorious captain during the official trophy ceremony. Fireworks, confetti and a large-scale light show will accompany the crowning of the new world champions.
FIFA is also set to introduce another first by awarding a special championship ring to every member of the winning squad. The 30 members of the champion team will each receive a personalised ring. During the trophy presentation, the captain and head coach will be presented with symbolic rings before individually sized versions are produced and delivered to every recipient.
In addition to lifting football’s most coveted trophy, the champions will receive US$50 million (around Tk 6.15 billion) in prize money, alongside medals and individual awards.
With football, music, entertainment and celebration combined on one stage, the World Cup final promises to deliver a memorable spectacle for millions of fans around the globe.
