Tems to Headline Historic FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show: A Global Fusion of Music, Sport, and Purpose

A new global stage is being set — and Tems is ready to take command of it.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter, known for her soulful vocals and genre-defying artistry, has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show, a groundbreaking global music event taking place July 13th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (source: Variety).

Joining her on this historic stage will be international megastars J Balvin and Doja Cat, marking a multicultural celebration of rhythm, unity, and sport. The performance, produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, will air live to millions of viewers around the world via DAZN.com and global broadcast partners.

A Cultural Moment for Africa and the World

For Tems, born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, this isn’t just another performance — it’s a defining cultural moment. The singer, who first gained international acclaim through collaborations like “Essence” with Wizkid and “Wait for U” with Future and Drake (source: Billboard), continues to prove that African music belongs on every world stage.

Tems’ appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup Final also ties directly to her growing influence in sports. Earlier this year, she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner ahead of the team’s debut in the 2025 MLS season, signaling her expanding footprint beyond music and into global cultural leadership (source: BBC).

“We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment,” Tems said in a statement. “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.”

Music With a Mission

This is not Tems’ first collaboration with Global Citizen, the international advocacy organization known for using pop culture to drive social change. In 2022, she performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Accra in Ghana, earning widespread praise for her commanding stage presence and vocal power (source: Rolling Stone).

Now, she’s returning to an even bigger platform — merging the worlds of music, philanthropy, and football in a performance designed to inspire global unity and impact.

The Power Behind the Platform

The July 13th halftime show aligns with Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty and promote equitable access to education worldwide. This year’s initiative will spotlight the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand educational and football-related opportunities for underprivileged children globally (source: FIFA.com).

Each ticket sold for the Club World Cup tournament contributes to this initiative, transforming fan participation into tangible action.

“To end extreme poverty, we need to ensure every child gets access to a quality education,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans. “That’s why, together with our partners at FIFA, we’re calling on football fans everywhere to take action. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund brings together the global energy of football and music to raise $100 million — and give children around the world a real chance at a better future.”

A Historic Tournament, A Unifying Sound

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will mark a major turning point for the sport: the tournament’s first-ever expanded edition, featuring 32 elite club teams from across the globe and hosted in the United States for the first time (source: ESPN). Matches will unfold across 12 venues in 11 cities, with MetLife Stadium — also the host of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Final — serving as the ultimate stage for the championship match and halftime spectacle.

But the event’s impact extends far beyond the field. By merging music and social purpose, FIFA and Global Citizen aim to redefine how global audiences engage with both entertainment and humanitarian action.

From Lagos to the World

From her early days writing music in Nigeria to winning a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, Tems has charted a path that blends authenticity with ambition. Her artistry — a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul — has earned her recognition from major outlets like The New York Times, which praised her as “a transcendent voice reshaping modern African music.”

This July, Tems will not only make history but also symbolize a generation of artists using their platform for global good.

As the spotlight shines on MetLife Stadium, millions will witness a performance that’s more than entertainment — it’s a statement. One that proves when music, sport, and mission unite, the world listens.