Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, has been announced as one of the headline performers for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show, scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey on 13 July 2025.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the announcement in a statement on Monday, hailing the moment as historic for football and global music culture.
“For the first-ever halftime show in a FIFA competition, we’re proud to partner with Global Citizen to bring together a global superstar lineup. Together we are going to make history on a special occasion where football and music unite the world,” Infantino said.
Tems will share the stage with American rapper and singer Doja Cat and Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin in a performance curated by Coldplay’s lead vocalist, Chris Martin.
The trio will perform during the final of the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which will be played across 11 cities in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.
In a statement, Tems expressed her excitement, saying, “We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment — to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. I can’t wait — see you at the Club World Cup final!”
She also reposted the announcement on her Instagram page on Monday.
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‘Historic Moment’
Tems, who previously headlined the 2023 NBA All-Star Game halftime show and performed at major festivals such as Coachella 2024 and Glastonbury, becomes the first Nigerian artist to perform for the FIFA World Cup halftime show.
Doja Cat’s participation adds further star power to the event, which FIFA says will be streamed globally and available to watch for free on DAZN.com.
J Balvin described his involvement as a dream come true.
“This is a historic moment for me, for Latin culture, and for every kid who dreams big,” the Colombian singer was quoted as saying.
The halftime show also marks the launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a philanthropic initiative announced at the Global Citizen NOW Summit in April by Infantino and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.
The fund aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world.
“With every ticket sold during the tournament, $1 will be donated to the fund,” FIFA confirmed.
Infantino added in his statement via Instagram that, “This show will be unforgettable – not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make.”
Source: Channels TV
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