Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, is set to make history on the global stage.
She has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup final.
On Monday, June 9, 2025, FIFA confirmed Tems will join American rapper Doja Cat and Colombian superstar J Balvin at the highly anticipated event. The final match will take place on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
This marks the first time FIFA is introducing a halftime performance for the Club World Cup final, and Tems will be a part of that historic debut.
Tems – a star on the rise
Tems continues to grow as an international star. Known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics, she has already earned a Grammy Award and collaborated with global icons such as Beyoncé, Drake, and Future. Now, she’s preparing to deliver another milestone performance on one of the world’s biggest stages, the FIFA Club World Cup final.
“I’m excited to bring the world together for a beautiful moment,” Tems said in a statement released by FIFA. “We’ll celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and help 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 and Chris Martin curate show
The halftime show will be produced by Global Citizen, the international advocacy organisation known for its star-studded concerts that promote social change. Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, is curating the event, promising a show that blends music, football, and purpose.
Fans across the world will be able to watch the performance live and free on DAZN.com, a global sports streaming platform. FIFA is aiming to bring entertainment and philanthropy together in a new way, using the power of music to unite fans and support educational causes.
Historic tournament for FIFA
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is already shaping up to be a landmark event. For the first time, the tournament will feature 32 clubs from different continents, expanding its format to mirror the men’s World Cup.
Matches will be played across 12 stadiums in 11 cities throughout the United States. The tournament kicks off on June 14 and runs until the final on July 13. It is expected to draw large crowds and massive global viewership.
The expansion shows FIFA’s commitment to growing the sport and reaching wider audiences. Adding a high-profile halftime show is part of that effort.
Uniting football and music
With Tems, Doja Cat, and J Balvin on the lineup, the show is expected to be a major highlight. These artists represent different cultures and styles, reflecting the global nature of football itself.
Tems brings the sound of Nigeria to the world stage, while Doja Cat delivers her bold, genre-bending energy. J Balvin, one of the most-streamed artists in Latin America, adds vibrant reggaeton flavour to the mix.
The combination promises an unforgettable show that celebrates diversity, talent, and unity, values that lie at the heart of both football and music.
An opportunity to inspire
For Tems, this performance is more than just another gig. It’s a chance to inspire millions, especially young fans watching from Nigeria and across Africa. Her presence at such a prestigious event signals how far African talent has come on the world stage.
It also reinforces FIFA’s growing recognition of global music stars as a key part of its major events. Just as the Super Bowl halftime show has become a cultural moment in the United States, FIFA hopes its Club World Cup halftime performance will capture similar attention worldwide.
Looking ahead
As the countdown to July 13 begins, excitement is building. The final match will crown the world’s best football club, but the halftime show will also be a moment to remember.
Tems is ready to make history. Football fans, music lovers, and viewers across the globe will be watching and cheering.
Read Also: Visit Nigeria, Ghana before judging Africa, says Tems
