The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is almost over. As Argentina and Spain prepare to battle for football’s biggest prize at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, excitement isn’t just building around Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal. Fans are also eager to see what FIFA has planned before kickoff, with the tournament set to feature a star-studded pre-match ceremony that breaks with long-standing World Cup tradition. From the performers taking the stage to the timing of the show, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup final’s opening festivities.

Who Is Performing the U.S. National Anthem at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem before kickoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The award-winning singer and actress, who first rose to prominence on American Idol, is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award during her career.

FIFA confirmed that Hudson will deliver a special rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the pitch as part of the pre-match festivities. Her appearance comes just days after she performed at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, making this another high-profile sporting event on an already busy summer schedule.

With one of the biggest television audiences in the world expected to tune in, Hudson’s performance is set to be one of the standout moments before the World Cup final gets underway.

Will Argentina and Spain’s National Anthems Also Be Played Before Kickoff?

Yes. As is customary before every FIFA World Cup final, the national anthems of both finalists, Argentina and Spain, will be played before kickoff. The anthem ceremony forms part of FIFA’s official pre-match protocol and takes place after the teams line up on the pitch.

Jennifer Hudson’s performance of the U.S. national anthem is a separate part of the pre-match entertainment, reflecting that the final is being hosted in the United States. It does not replace or alter the traditional playing of the finalists’ national anthems, which remain one of the most significant moments before the match begins.

Why Is the U.S. National Anthem Played at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

It might seem unusual to hear the U.S. national anthem before a World Cup final that doesn’t feature the United States. The reason is simple: the match is being played on American soil. FIFA has included a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as part of the pre-match entertainment to recognize the host nation for the final at MetLife Stadium.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first tournament to be staged across three countries. FIFA has described the pre-match ceremony as a celebration of the tournament’s journey across all three host nations and 16 host cities, with music and entertainment serving as a tribute to the event before the world champions are crowned.

The performance of the U.S. national anthem is an additional part of the ceremony and does not replace the traditional playing of the national anthems of Argentina and Spain before kickoff.

Has the U.S. National Anthem Been Performed at Previous FIFA World Cup Finals?

No. The U.S. national anthem has not traditionally been performed at previous FIFA World Cup finals unless the United States was one of the competing teams, which has never happened. In past finals, FIFA’s pre-match protocol has focused on the national anthems of the two finalists, with any host-nation ceremonies taking place separately from the official anthem sequence.

That is why Jennifer Hudson’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 2026 final is attracting so much attention. Although the United States is not playing in the championship match, FIFA has included the anthem as part of the pre-match entertainment because the final is being staged at MetLife Stadium.

The addition does not replace the traditional pre-match ceremony. Argentina’s and Spain’s national anthems will still be played before kickoff, while the U.S. anthem serves as an extra tribute to the host nation of the final.

What Time Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Opening Ceremony Begin?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19, but the celebrations begin well before the first whistle. The official pre-match opening ceremony is scheduled to get underway at approximately 2:15 p.m. ET, giving fans around 45 minutes of entertainment before kickoff.

The ceremony will feature performances from Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and other special guests, making it one of the biggest pre-match shows in World Cup history. If you don’t want to miss any of the music, celebrity appearances, or on-pitch festivities, it’s worth tuning in by 2:15 p.m. ET.