Tems Becomes First African Artist to Perform at FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show
Nigerian singer and global music sensation Tems has made history by becoming the first African artist to perform at the halftime show of the FIFA Club World Cup Final, marking a major milestone for African representation on one of football’s biggest global stages.
The performance, held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was part of a spectacular entertainment segment that also featured international stars Doja Cat and J Balvin. This event marked FIFA’s first-ever official halftime show at the Club World Cup final, signaling a bold shift toward integrating pop culture with global football.
Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, delivered a captivating performance that blended her soulful Afrobeat sounds with stunning visual effects, dance choreography, and a vibrant celebration of African culture.
Her inclusion in the headline act not only elevated the entertainment value of the final but also highlighted the growing global influence of African music.
The halftime show was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced in collaboration with the international advocacy organization Global Citizen. It was streamed live on DAZN and broadcast across multiple international platforms, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
Beyond entertainment, the performance had a social impact focus. It was tied to the launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a new initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to education and sports for children around the world. The fund seeks to leverage the visibility of global football events to create long-term social change.
Tems’s historic performance reflects her rapid rise on the global stage. She first gained international attention through her collaboration on Wizkid’s hit single Essence, and later secured a Grammy Award and several international nominations. With this latest achievement, she continues to break barriers for African artists.
Music analysts and fans across the continent have hailed her appearance as a landmark moment for Africa. “Tems standing on that stage is more than just music — it’s about global acknowledgment of African excellence,” said Lagos-based music journalist Ifeanyi Akande.
As FIFA continues to reimagine its global tournaments with expanded entertainment offerings, Tems’s performance sets a high standard and paves the way for more African artists to be featured on international stages.
The Club World Cup final halftime show is seen as a preview of what to expect during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to include similar high-profile musical performances as part of FIFA’s evolving vision to fuse sport, music, and social development.
