Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is set to perform at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Grammy-winning artist will share the stage with global superstars J Balvin and Doja Cat in a performance curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen. This historic event, broadcast live on DAZN, marks a significant milestone for Tems, who expressed her excitement about uniting audiences through music and football while supporting a meaningful cause.
The halftime show is part of a broader collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen, aimed at leveraging the global appeal of football to drive social impact. Tems highlighted the initiative’s commitment to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which focuses on improving access to education for children worldwide. Her participation underscores her rising global influence, following her 2022 Grammy win for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” with Future and Drake, and her contributions to hits like Wizkid’s “Essence.”
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13 across 12 U.S. stadiums, introduces an expanded 32-team format, featuring top clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid and Al Hilal. The tournament, hosted in iconic venues such as Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, aims to elevate the global club football scene. Tems’ performance is expected to amplify the event’s cultural significance, blending music and sport to create a memorable spectacle for fans worldwide.
Tems’ journey to this stage reflects her meteoric rise in the music industry, from her breakout single “Try Me” in 2019 to her critically acclaimed debut album, Born in the Wild, released in 2024. Her soulful voice and genre-blending style, which fuse Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, have earned her a global fanbase and accolades, including a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. Performing at the FIFA Club World Cup final cements her status as a trailblazer, representing Nigeria and Africa on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The collaboration with Chris Martin and Global Citizen aligns with Tems’ advocacy for social causes, particularly education and empowerment. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will benefit from the event’s visibility, with proceeds supporting initiatives to provide quality education to underprivileged children. Tems emphasized the personal significance of this cause, noting that education played a pivotal role in her own journey as an artist from Lagos.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the partnership, stating that combining football with performances by artists like Tems, J Balvin, and Doja Cat will create a transformative experience for fans. The halftime show is designed to mirror the energy of major global events like the Super Bowl, with a focus on cultural diversity and global unity. The choice of MetLife Stadium, with its 82,500-seat capacity, ensures a grand stage for this unprecedented performance.
The FIFA Club World Cup’s new format has generated significant buzz, with 32 teams competing across eight groups, culminating in the final on July 13. Notable matches include Inter Miami facing Al Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium and Paris Saint-Germain taking on Atlético Madrid at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The tournament’s U.S. setting reflects FIFA’s strategy to grow football’s popularity in North America ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Tems’ participation also highlights the growing influence of African artists in global entertainment. Her performance follows in the footsteps of other African stars like Burna Boy, who headlined the 2023 UEFA Champions League final, signaling a shift toward greater representation on international platforms. Fans on social media have expressed pride in Tems’ achievement, with posts on X celebrating her as a “global icon” and a “voice for Africa.”
Preparations for the halftime show are underway, with Tems expected to deliver a setlist that showcases her signature sound and celebrates the spirit of the tournament. While specific songs remain undisclosed, fans speculate she may perform hits like “Burning” or “Me & U” to captivate the diverse audience. The production, overseen by Global Citizen, promises a visually stunning and culturally resonant performance.
The event also marks a significant moment for women in music, with Tems and Doja Cat representing two continents on this global stage. Their inclusion reflects FIFA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning with Global Citizen’s mission to promote equity and opportunity. The halftime show is poised to be a highlight of the tournament, drawing millions of viewers through DAZN’s global broadcast.
For Tems, this performance is both a career milestone and a chance to inspire the next generation. She has spoken about the importance of dreaming big, recalling her own journey from creating music in her bedroom to performing for millions. Her story resonates with fans, particularly in Nigeria, where she is seen as a symbol of perseverance and talent.
As the FIFA Club World Cup approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark event in sports and entertainment. Tems’ historic performance will not only celebrate football but also amplify the power of music to connect people across cultures. With the world watching, she is ready to leave an indelible mark on this global stage.
