On Sunday, July 13, 2025, the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will come alive with a historic moment in football history as global music superstars J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems headline the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.
This groundbreaking event, curated by Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, promises to blend the universal languages of music and football, captivating an expected global audience of over 2 billion viewers. The performance will be broadcast live and free worldwide on DAZN.com, marking a significant milestone for FIFA as it introduces a Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle to its premier club tournament.
J Balvin 🇨🇴
— SportyTV (@SportyTV_) June 10, 2025
Tems 🇳🇬
Doja Cat 🇺🇸
🚨 This FIFA Club World Cup will feature a FIRST-EVER halftime show in the final, featuring 3️⃣ award-winning artistes from three different Confederations 🌎🎤 pic.twitter.com/BjzxBZ1SR6
A Star-Studded Lineup with Global Appeal
The trio of J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems represents a dynamic fusion of musical genres—reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, and Afrobeats—ensuring a vibrant and inclusive performance that resonates with diverse audiences. J Balvin, the Colombian reggaeton icon from Medellín, expressed his pride in headlining the event, calling it a “historic moment” for himself, Latin culture, and dreamers worldwide. “From Medellín to MetLife — I’m honored to headline the first-ever halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup final,” Balvin said in a statement. This marks his fourth collaboration with Global Citizen, following performances at events like *One World: Together At Home* and *Vax Live* during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doja Cat, the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum American rapper and singer, brings her genre-defying energy to the stage. Known for her 2023 album *Scarlet* and recent high-profile performances, including a medley of James Bond theme songs at the 2024 Academy Awards, Doja Cat is no stranger to commanding global audiences. Her prior Global Citizen appearances, including headlining the 2024 Global Citizen Festival in Central Park, make her a natural fit for this landmark event.
Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer, rounds out the trio with her soulful Afrobeats sound. Her unforgettable 2022 performance at the Global Citizen Festival in Accra, Ghana, showcased her ability to captivate crowds, and she’s poised to bring that same magic to MetLife Stadium. “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,” Tems said.
A New Era for FIFA and Football
The FIFA Club World Cup, running from June 14 to July 13, 2025, across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities, has expanded to feature 32 top club teams, including powerhouses like Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter Miami, with superstar Lionel Messi in the lineup. The introduction of a halftime show, a concept popularized by the NFL’s Super Bowl, is a bold move by FIFA to elevate the tournament’s global profile and appeal. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Together we are going to make history on a special occasion where football and music unite the world. This show will be unforgettable — not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make.”
The halftime show, directed by Hamish Hamilton and produced in partnership with Live Nation, Done+Dusted, and DPS, is designed to fit within the 15-minute halftime break, delivering a high-energy performance that mirrors the intensity of the match. The event also serves as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, also set to take place at MetLife Stadium, signaling FIFA’s commitment to integrating entertainment into its marquee events.
A Performance with Purpose
Beyond the music, the halftime show carries a powerful philanthropic mission. In partnership with Global Citizen, the event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football for children worldwide. One dollar from every ticket sold for the FIFA Club World Cup matches in the U.S. will be donated to the fund, ensuring that the event’s impact extends far beyond the stadium. “To end extreme poverty, we need to ensure every child gets access to a quality education,” said Global Citizen co-founder and CEO Hugh Evans.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While many fans are thrilled about the star-studded lineup, some have expressed concerns about the commercialization of the tournament, with a few labeling it “utter woke nonsense” on platforms like X. Despite the criticism, the event’s focus on uniting football and music for a global cause has garnered widespread excitement.
A Historic Moment in the Making
As the FIFA Club World Cup Final approaches, anticipation is building for a night that promises to redefine how football is celebrated. With J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems set to deliver a genre-spanning, culture-bridging performance, the halftime show is poised to be a landmark moment in sports and entertainment. Fans can secure tickets at FIFA.com/tickets and tune in to DAZN.com for the free global broadcast. As Tems declared, “I can’t wait — see you at the Club World Cup final!”
This inaugural halftime show not only celebrates the power of football and music but also sets the stage for a future where global sporting events double as platforms for unity and positive change. On July 13, 2025, MetLife Stadium will be more than a battleground for the world’s best clubs—it will be a stage for history.
