XXL World Cup Final in New York: Spain Faces Argentina in Show Spectacle

Show Concept: Halftime Show and Closing Ceremony

For the first time in the history of a FIFA World Cup, a halftime show is planned. According to FIFA and Global Citizen, the concert is to last eleven minutes. Reports indicate, however, that the halftime break could last 20 or even 30 minutes because the stage technology needs time. The rule-makers of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have actually stipulated that players are entitled to a halftime break of a maximum of 15 minutes. „Demnach darf die Dauer der Pause ausschließlich mit der Erlaubnis des Schiedsrichters geändert werden." FIFA did not initially comment on this.

The halftime show program features a high-caliber lineup: „So was hat die Fußball-Welt noch nicht gesehen: Im Finale der XXL-WM zwischen Argentinien und Spanien wird es eine hochkarätig besetzte Halbzeitshow geben." Announced are pop icons Shakira and Madonna as well as Canadian superstar Justin Bieber. Also performing are the South Korean band BTS and Nigerian musician Burna Boy. The show was curated by Coldplay singer Chris Martin — on behalf of world football governing body FIFA and the aid movement Global Citizen, which is co-producing the show. „Kuratiert wurde die Show von Coldplay-Sänger Chris Martin - im Auftrag des Fußball-Weltverbands FIFA und der Hilfsbewegung Global Citizen, die die Show mitproduziert."

In addition to the halftime stars, they will perform together with the Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the band Coldplay, and a New York elementary school choir. Singer Jennifer Hudson will sing the US national anthem. „Sängerin Jennifer Hudson werde die US-Nationalhymne singen." Muppet characters such as Kermit and Miss Piggy have also announced their appearance. „Zudem haben sich Muppet-Figuren wie Kermit und Miss Piggy angekündigt."

Surrounding Program Around the Final

A closing ceremony, set to last as long as a football match, begins one and a half hours before kickoff. „Es gibt auch noch eine Schlussfeier und zwar anderthalb Stunden vor dem Anpfiff." According to FIFA, performers are to include singers Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger, pop star Robbie Williams, and YouTuber IShowSpeed. „Dabei sollen der FIFA zufolge unter anderem die Sängerinnen Laura Pausini und Nicole Scherzinger, Pop-Star Robbie Williams und Youtuber IShowSpeed auftreten." Actor Tom Cruise is also said to have a guest appearance. US rapper Post Malone will perform directly before kickoff.

The spectacle is also intended to raise money to support the education of children worldwide. „Mit dem Spektakel soll auch Geld für die Unterstützung der Bildung von Kindern weltweit gesammelt werden." The focus of this show is the回顾 on the World Cup running since 11 June in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. „Im Mittelpunkt dieser Show stehe der Rückblick auf die seit dem 11. Juni laufende WM in den USA, Kanada und Mexiko."

In New York, there is plenty on offer around the final: A FIFA House has been set up in Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. Access cost 1,100 US dollars on Friday, and the final party on Sunday costs 2,000 US dollars. A public viewing party for 50,000 people is planned in Central Park. Many stars are also expected on the VIP tribune. „Zudem werden viele Stars auf der VIP-Tribüne erwartet."

Prominent Guests and Political Attention

Influencer Laura „Abla" Schmitt, partner of Spanish player Dani Olmo, wrote on Instagram after Spain's final qualification: „New-York-Urlaub und Justin-Bieber-Konzert sind endlich eingetütelt." The Spanish royal family — King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and their daughters — was also in the stands for the semifinal against France.

US President Donald Trump announced he would attend the final. He had previously been seen playing golf with England's record goalscorer Harry Kane but had not yet entered a World Cup stadium. The White House stated through press secretary Karoline Leavitt: „Dies ist ein passender Abschluss für ein Turnier, das Amerikas Fähigkeit demonstriert hat, die Welt auf der größten Bühne zu empfangen."

Broadcast and Conditions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the final as „Höhepunkt der größten Show der Welt". The new world champions are to receive, in addition to medals and the World Cup trophy, rings as are customary in other North American sports. Superstars such as Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, or Beyoncé have already delivered halftime concerts at the Super Bowl, the final of the US football league NFL. „Superstars wie Rihanna, Bad Bunny, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen oder Beyoncé haben beim Super Bowl, dem Endspiel der US-Football-Liga NFL, bereits Pausen-Konzerte abgeliefert."

ZDF and MagentaTV, as the broadcasting networks in Germany, have already announced they will show the show. „Das ZDF und MagentaTV als übertragende Sender in Deutschland haben bereits angekündigt, die Show zu zeigen." The greater New York area has been under a haze from wildfires in Canada for days. The first half lasts around 45 minutes with a drinks break.