By Njoku Chijioke
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.
The event will take place on July 13, 2025, at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Tems will share the global stage with Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and American rapper Doja Cat during the final match of the newly expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which will run from June 14 to July 13 across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities.
The halftime show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will be broadcast live and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
More than just entertainment, the performance will spotlight the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a partnership between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.
The initiative aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.
For every ticket sold to Club World Cup matches in the U.S., $1 will be donated to the fund.
“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!” Tems said in a statement.
J Balvin described the opportunity as “historic” – both for himself, for Latin culture, and for “every kid who dreams big.”
Tems’ inclusion in the landmark event marks another major milestone for African music on the global stage, reinforcing her status as a leading voice in the international music scene.
