Robbie Williams opened the 2026 World Cup final with a pregame performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The event, featuring a lineup of international stars, marked FIFA's first-ever halftime show for the tournament's championship match. Argentina is set to face Spain in the final, with billions of viewers expected worldwide.
The halftime show and a closing ceremony are part of FIFA's decision to incorporate Super Bowl-style entertainment into the global football event. Other performers and attendees announced for the closing ceremony include Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, and Laura Pausini, alongside internet personality IShowSpeed. Williams was joined on stage during his pregame performance by Nicola Scherzinger and Laura Pausini.
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Despite the star-studded lineup, the day began with significant disruptions for attendees. Fans reported long queues and hours-long waits to enter the 80,000-capacity stadium, located near Manhattan. Organizers had advised fans to arrive up to four hours before the match due to anticipated crowds and security measures, which were heightened by the presence of President Donald Trump. Reports indicated that technological issues with FIFA's ticket-scanning system contributed to the delays, frustrating fans even those at the front of the lines.