On July 13, 2025, the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey featured its inaugural halftime show, headlined by J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. This groundbreaking event marked the first-ever halftime performance in a FIFA competition, blending global music with the world's most popular sport.
The halftime show was produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay. It aimed to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative striving to raise $100 million to enhance access to quality education and football for children worldwide. One dollar from every ticket sold for the tournament was allocated to this fund. (globalcitizen.org)
J Balvin, the Colombian reggaeton sensation, expressed his honor in leading this historic performance, emphasizing its significance for Latin culture and aspiring artists globally. Doja Cat and Tems also highlighted the unifying power of music and its potential to drive positive change. (globalcitizen.org)
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 introduced an expanded format with 32 teams, culminating in the final on July 13. The inclusion of a halftime show in this tournament set a precedent for future FIFA events, including the planned halftime show for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, also scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium. (hypebeast.com)
This event not only showcased top-tier football but also highlighted the intersection of sports, music, and philanthropy on a global stage.