Grammy Award-winning Nigerian sensation Temilade Openiyi, known to millions across the globe as Tems, is poised to create history once again—this time, on football’s global stage. The Afrobeat star has been officially announced as one of the headliners for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show, a landmark entertainment event that will take place on July 13, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
Tems will join an elite lineup of international music powerhouses, including American rapper Doja Cat and Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, in what FIFA and entertainment organizers describe as a “celebration of football, music, and unity on a global scale.”
The announcement was made on Monday, June 9, 2025, by FIFA in collaboration with Global Citizen, the nonprofit behind the production of the halftime show. The event marks a significant cultural fusion between the world’s most beloved sport and the universal power of music, with an aim to spotlight social impact through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin
The halftime experience is being artistically curated by Chris Martin, frontman of the globally acclaimed British band Coldplay, who expressed his excitement about the opportunity to fuse music and football on such a grand stage.
“This isn’t just a performance—it’s a global moment,” Martin said in a joint statement with FIFA and Global Citizen. “We’re bringing the world together to celebrate the beautiful game and the positive force of music. The Club World Cup Final is more than a match; it’s a platform to inspire unity and support millions of children through the Global Citizen Education Fund.”
A Global Stage for Africa’s Rising Star
For Tems, this moment is not just a career milestone—it is a testament to the rising influence of African artists on the global stage. Known for her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-blending sound, Tems first gained international attention through collaborations with heavyweights such as Wizkid, Drake, and Future.
In 2023, she earned a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s hit single “Wait For U,” featuring Drake. Since then, her trajectory has only moved upward, and her inclusion in this global halftime event signifies the continuing crossover success of Afrobeat music and African talent.
Sharing her excitement ahead of the performance, Tems stated:
“We are 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!”
Global Citizen Partnership and Education Focus
The show’s production is being spearheaded by Global Citizen, a movement focused on ending extreme poverty and driving social impact through advocacy, education, and events. The organization has previously partnered with high-profile artists and institutions around the world, and its involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup Final signals a merging of cultural entertainment with humanitarian causes.
Proceeds and global attention from the event will benefit the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to enhance access to quality education for underserved communities around the world, particularly children in marginalized areas.
How to Watch
The entire halftime show will be available for free streaming on DAZN.com, allowing millions of fans globally to witness this fusion of world-class sport and music from anywhere.
DAZN, a sports streaming platform with an increasing global footprint, is partnering with FIFA to provide wide access to the event. Viewers are encouraged to tune in early to catch the full performance lineup, interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage.
Club World Cup 2025: A New Era Begins
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup marks a significant transformation for the tournament. For the first time, the event will feature an expanded format of 32 club teams from across all FIFA confederations, giving it a scale comparable to the FIFA World Cup for national teams.
The competition officially kicks off on June 14, 2025, and will run for a full month across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities, culminating in the final showdown at MetLife Stadium.
This year’s tournament has already generated buzz as a groundbreaking moment in club football history, with major European, South American, Asian, African, and North American teams competing for the coveted title.
MetLife Stadium—located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and known for hosting massive events like the Super Bowl and major concerts—was selected as the venue for the final due to its capacity, infrastructure, and proximity to New York City, one of the world’s premier cultural capitals.
A Cultural Fusion That Reflects the World
The inclusion of artists from three different continents—Africa (Tems), North America (Doja Cat), and South America (J Balvin)—reflects the international diversity of both football fans and music lovers.
Each performer brings a unique sound and energy, and organizers hope this musical display will serve as a symbolic bridge between nations, cultures, and generations.
FIFA’s official press release emphasized this global dimension, stating:
“This unprecedented halftime performance will not only elevate the experience of the Club World Cup Final but also champion a cause that resonates with people everywhere—education and opportunity for all.”
Final Thoughts
For Tems, the July 13 performance won’t just be another appearance on a global stage—it will be a historic reminder that African voices are no longer on the margins, but rather, are shaping the core of global culture. Her voice, wrapped in emotion and power, will echo through MetLife Stadium, not just as a performance, but as a symbol of a continent rising.
As millions of football fans tune in for the final match, they’ll also witness a celebration of creativity, hope, and transformation—led by one of Africa’s brightest stars.
