Tems, the Nigerian music sensation whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, is poised to make history as the headliner of the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA Club World Cup final. The landmark event, scheduled for July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New York, will also feature performances by Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and American pop icon Doja Cat, creating a vibrant blend of international musical talent. This groundbreaking halftime show represents a significant moment not only for Tems’ career but also for the FIFA Club World Cup itself, marking a new era of entertainment and global reach for the prestigious tournament. The collaboration between Tems, J Balvin, and Doja Cat promises a dynamic and captivating performance that will resonate with audiences worldwide.
The halftime show, produced by Global Citizen, will be broadcast live and free on DAZN.com, ensuring accessibility for fans across the globe. This strategic partnership with DAZN underscores the commitment to making the event a truly global experience, allowing viewers from all corners of the world to witness this historical moment. Tems, known for her captivating vocals and unique blend of Afrobeat and R&B, expressed her enthusiasm for the performance and emphasized its broader purpose. She highlighted the power of music to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, a message that aligns perfectly with Global Citizen’s mission of addressing global challenges through collective action.
Beyond the entertainment value, the halftime show serves a crucial philanthropic purpose. It forms a central part of Global Citizen’s fundraising efforts for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting educational programs and FIFA’s “Football for Schools” program in over 200 countries. This program leverages the universal appeal of football to promote education and life skills development among children and young people worldwide. The integration of the halftime show with this fundraising campaign underscores the potential of music and entertainment to drive positive social impact on a global scale.
The decision to host the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show with such a diverse lineup of artists reflects the tournament’s increasing global footprint. The 2025 edition, held in the United States, is projected to be the largest in the tournament’s history, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. This expanded reach presents an unprecedented opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. By integrating the halftime show with this philanthropic initiative, FIFA and Global Citizen are leveraging the power of football and music to create a meaningful and lasting impact on education globally.
Tems’ management team expressed immense pride in her selection for this historic event. Muyiwa Awoniyi, a member of Tems’ management, highlighted the significance of her participation as a testament to her rising global stardom and the growing recognition of African music on the international stage. He also acknowledged the support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans in making this groundbreaking halftime show a reality. This collaboration between FIFA, Global Citizen, and the artists involved demonstrates the collective effort required to address global challenges and promote positive social change.
The initiative also incorporates a direct fundraising mechanism linked to ticket sales. For every ticket sold to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches in the US, one dollar will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This direct link between ticket sales and charitable giving provides a tangible way for fans to contribute to the cause and become actively involved in supporting education initiatives worldwide. This innovative fundraising model underscores the commitment to maximizing the impact of the tournament and the halftime show beyond the realm of entertainment. By aligning the excitement of the sporting event with a meaningful social cause, FIFA and Global Citizen are creating a platform for global citizenship and collective action.
