Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, will be performing during the halftime show at the FIFA Club World Cup Final on July 13, FIFA announced Monday.
The performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey marks a historic moment for African representation on football’s global stage.
Tems joins American rapper Doja Cat and Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin for the Global Citizen-produced halftime spectacle, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as creative curator. The show will stream free on DAZN.com, reaching millions worldwide.
“We are 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 in a statement.
The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup represents a massive expansion of the previous format, featuring 32 teams from six confederations competing across 12 stadiums in 11 U.S. cities.
Tems’ selection continues her meteoric rise since winning her first Grammy in 2023 for her collaboration on Wizkid’s “Essence.” The 29-year-old singer has become one of Africa’s most prominent musical personality, with her distinctive sound blending Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative music.
The partnership with Global Citizen ties the entertainment to charitable impact, with proceeds supporting educational initiatives for children globally through FIFA’s dedicated fund.
FIFA’s choice to feature three artists representing different continents and musical genres reflects the tournament’s global ambitions, as the world governing body seeks to establish the expanded Club World Cup as a premier sporting event rivaling the World Cup itself.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Tems is the first Nigerian artist to headline a FIFA tournament finale, representing a major milestone for African music on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
For Tems, this represents the culmination of her journey from Lagos to global stage. Going from local Nigerian artist to sharing the stage with Doja Cat and J Balvin at a FIFA event shows how Afrobeats has truly gone mainstream.
