J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems are set to make history as headliners of the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup Final, taking place on Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In a bold move, FIFA is stepping into Super Bowl territory, introducing a major entertainment spectacle to the world of international football.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced in collaboration with Global Citizen, the halftime show blends star power with purpose. It will be streamed live on DAZN, with an ambitious goal: to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting education initiatives for children across the globe. This fusion of sport, music, and activism signals a new era for global football entertainment.
A Global Fusion of Musical Titans
For decades, the Super Bowl halftime show has defined the pinnacle of sports-meets-entertainment, featuring icons like Beyoncé, Shakira, The Weeknd, and Rihanna—often delivering performances as culturally resonant as the game itself. Now, FIFA is finally stepping into that spotlight. With the launch of its own halftime spectacle at the Club World Cup Final, the organization signals a long-overdue yet welcome evolution in how global football is experienced and presented.
Unlike past FIFA finals that remained rooted in sport alone, this new format aims to captivate audiences well beyond the pitch. By enlisting J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, FIFA is making a deliberate statement, celebrating a diverse range of musical genres and global voices. These chart-topping artists not only reflect contemporary musical dominance but also carry deep cross-cultural resonance. As such, this lineup isn’t just entertainment—it’s a strategic and symbolic effort to unite the world through music.
The Headlining Trio
“Together we are going to make history on a special occasion where football and music unites the world,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared in a statement. His words echo the broader ambition behind this landmark event. By choosing three global icons for its inaugural halftime show, FIFA not only affirms its commitment to diversity and cultural exchange but also signals a bold step toward matching the entertainment spectacle long associated with American sports—while shaping it for a global audience.
J Balvin, one of reggaeton’s most influential voices, captured the moment’s weight. “From Medellín to MetLife — I’m honored to headline the first-ever halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final,” he said. “It’s a historic moment, for me, for Latin culture, and for every kid who dreams big.” His words resonate far beyond the stadium, encapsulating the pride, aspiration, and cultural significance this performance holds for millions who see their stories reflected in his journey.
Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful sound and introspective lyrics, echoed this spirit of unity and purpose. “We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment,” she stated. “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 FIFA Club World Cup final.” Her words reinforce the show’s dual mission: delivering a moment of global entertainment while driving tangible social impact.
Meanwhile, Doja Cat—renowned for her genre-blending hits and boundary-pushing visuals—brings a bold, innovative edge to the performance. As a chart-topping artist with massive digital influence, her inclusion ensures the show resonates not only with a global audience but also with a digitally native, Gen Z demographic that engages with content across platforms. Thus, her presence adds a dynamic layer to an already diverse and strategically curated lineup.
A Historic Moment in Sports Entertainment
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to be far more than just another football tournament. For the first time, 32 teams from around the globe will compete, making this edition the most inclusive and expansive in the event’s history. Matches will unfold across multiple U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13, culminating in a climactic final at MetLife Stadium.
Already renowned for hosting marquee events like Super Bowl XLVIII and the Copa América Centenario Final, MetLife offers the ideal stage for another first: FIFA’s inaugural halftime show. Rather than cutting to a commercial break, FIFA intends to transform the 15-minute intermission into a dynamic, live performance that fuses sport, music, and purpose. In doing so, it not only elevates the fan experience but also delivers a resounding message about unity and global solidarity.
More importantly, this halftime performance extends beyond mere spectacle. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced in partnership with Global Citizen, the show seeks to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This initiative is dedicated to expanding educational access for children in underserved communities worldwide. Thus, while the show marks a cultural milestone for FIFA, it also stands as a powerful act of philanthropy.
More Than a Show: A Cultural Recalibration
Let’s not overlook the deeper symbolism at play. The FIFA Club World Cup halftime show goes far beyond musical entertainment. It signals a larger shift—one in which global institutions like FIFA are beginning to see themselves not only as guardians of sport, but also as cultural and humanitarian influencers.
Tems brings with her the spiritual richness and layered soundscapes of West Africa, challenging and expanding traditional Western musical norms. Meanwhile, J Balvin delivers more than infectious Latin rhythms; he channels the pride, resilience, and global influence of Latin America. In contrast, Doja Cat embodies the unpredictable spirit of a digitally native generation, blending genres and visuals with fearless experimentation.
Together, they don’t just perform. They narrate a new global story—one rooted in inclusion, authenticity, and artistic innovation.
Furthermore, by partnering with Chris Martin and Global Citizen, FIFA grounds the show in a clear ethical mission. The performance transforms into more than just entertainment, it becomes a call to action. Audiences aren’t just watching history unfold; they’re invited to be part of it. Through music, spectacle, and purpose, the event offers a rare opportunity to enjoy world-class performances while supporting a meaningful cause. In the end, this halftime show isn’t merely a diversion. It’s a blueprint for how major global events can merge impact with inspiration.
A Timely Evolution
In the tournament’s 20-year history, FIFA had never ventured into halftime show territory. Until now, the spotlight remained firmly on the pitch. However, the growing intersection of music, sport, and digital media has reshaped expectations. Today’s audiences crave more than just competition—they seek immersive experiences that blur the lines between sport and spectacle. By embracing this evolution, FIFA signals its readiness to meet the cultural moment.
Moreover, the move places FIFA in step with broader entertainment trends, where cultural fusion and social responsibility are becoming the norm. The 2025 halftime show could very well mark the beginning of a new era—one where football serves not only as the world’s most beloved sport, but also as a global stage for storytelling, unity, and change.
As Infantino aptly put it, “This show will be unforgettable—not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make.” With that, July 13 at MetLife Stadium promises to be remembered not only for the final whistle—but for a performance that brought the world together in sound, spirit, and shared purpose.
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