FIFA Club World Cup: Record-breaking Nigerian artist to rock the world as music mixes with football’s finest

Two-time Grammy Award-winning Nigerian music star Tems will take centre stage at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old artist will join a blockbuster entertainment lineup for what promises to be a landmark moment in both football and global music.

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, will perform alongside international superstars J Balvin and Doja Cat at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

The event, set during the final of the newly expanded Club World Cup, marks FIFA’s inaugural attempt at staging a Super Bowl-style halftime show – blending elite football with world-class musical artistry.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration via his Instagram page.

“I am delighted to share that FIFA and Global Citizen will collaborate for the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show to be headlined by J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems on Sunday, 13 July 2025, firing up the MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey,” Infantino stated.

“For the first-ever halftime show in a FIFA competition, we’re proud to partner with Global Citizen to bring together a global superstar lineup. Together we are going to make history on a special occasion where football and music unites the world.”

The halftime show also carries a humanitarian mission. Every ticket purchased for the Club World Cup final will contribute to the newly created FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aimed at empowering children through education, play, and opportunity.

“This show will be unforgettable – not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make,” Infantino added.

“Looking forward to seeing J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems entertain the world, and special thanks to Global Citizen Co-Founder and CEO Hugh Evans for your continued support and to Chris Martin of Coldplay, who will curate what will be a show to remember!”

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Tems is set to perform at the FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL HALFTIME SHOW pic.twitter.com/YiqUOllDYT

— (@AlbumTalksHQ) June 9, 2025

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Tems’ inclusion points to her growing influence beyond the music industry.

She shot to international fame after featuring on Wizkid’s global hit Essence, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its remix with Justin Bieber.

She has since earned two Grammy Awards, four BET Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards, making her the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammys.

In 2023, Tems made headlines with her performance at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show.

More recently, she broke new ground by becoming the first African woman to acquire a stake in a Major League Soccer club after joining the ownership group of San Diego FC.

While no Nigerian football club will be participating in the Club World Cup, Tems' presence ensures that Nigeria will still command a spotlight on one of world football’s biggest nights.