Grammy-winning Nigerian sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is set to make history as a headliner at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025 halftime show. Scheduled for July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Tems will share the stage with global music icons Doja Cat and J Balvin in a performance that promises to blend the worlds of football and music like never before. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, this star-studded event is already generating massive buzz. Here’s everything you need to know about Tems’ groundbreaking moment and what it means for fans worldwide!
Tems’ inclusion in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 halftime show marks a significant milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has risen to global prominence with hits like “Essence” and “Free Mind.” Her soulful voice and unique sound have earned her a Grammy, a BET Award, and a spot on San Diego FC’s ownership board, showcasing her influence beyond music. Now, she’s set to perform at one of the most-watched sporting events, broadcast live and free on DAZN.com to millions of football and music fans worldwide.
Tems expressed her excitement, stating, “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 FIFA Club World Cup final!” Her words highlight the performance’s deeper purpose, blending entertainment with social impact.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13 across 12 U.S. venues, is a revamped tournament featuring 32 elite club teams, including powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Inter Miami. The final at MetLife Stadium will crown the world’s best club, with the halftime show adding a Super Bowl-style spectacle to the event. This is the first time the Club World Cup will feature a halftime show of this scale, signaling FIFA’s ambition to elevate the tournament’s global appeal.
The lineup, handpicked by Chris Martin, brings together Tems’ Afrobeats flair, J Balvin’s Latin rhythms, and Doja Cat’s pop-rap energy, creating a diverse and electrifying show. J Balvin shared his enthusiasm, saying, “From Medellín to MetLife — I’m honored to headline the first-ever halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final. It’s a historic moment for me, for Latin culture, and for every kid who dreams big.”
More Than Music
This halftime show isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a platform for change. Partnering with Global Citizen, FIFA aims to raise $100 million through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to improve access to education and football for children worldwide. A portion of every ticket sold will support this initiative, making Tems’ performance part of a larger mission to drive global unity and opportunity. As Tems noted, the event is a celebration of “the unity that music brings” and a chance to make a tangible impact.
The collaboration with Global Citizen, known for its advocacy against extreme poverty, adds a layer of purpose to the show. All three performers have a history with Global Citizen events, with Tems previously performing at the 2022 Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana, and Doja Cat headlining the 2024 festival in Central Park. This shared commitment to social impact makes the lineup even more meaningful.
Tems’ rise from Lagos to global stardom is a testament to her talent and resilience. Her performance at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will showcase Afrobeats on one of the biggest stages, alongside J Balvin and Doja Cat, who bring their own massive followings. The show, curated by Chris Martin, is designed to be a cultural milestone, uniting diverse musical genres and celebrating football’s universal appeal. Fans can expect a high-energy performance, possibly featuring Tems’ chart-topping hits and maybe even a surprise collaboration.
The event will be streamed live on DAZN.com, making it accessible to a global audience. With FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling it the “best halftime show ever,” expectations are sky-high for Tems and her co-headliners to deliver an unforgettable spectacle.
What’s Next for Tems and the FIFA Club World Cup
As Tems prepares for this landmark performance, her star continues to rise. Fresh off her BET Awards 2025 nominations and a growing discography, she’s cementing her place as a global icon. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with its $1 billion prize pool and star-studded teams like Manchester City and Real madrid, is set to be a defining moment in football. Tems’ halftime show will add a vibrant cultural layer, bridging music and sport in a way that resonates worldwide.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling month of football, music, and social impact as the tournament unfolds. With Tems leading the halftime show, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises to be a historic event that celebrates the power of music and sport to unite people across the globe.
