In a major moment for global entertainment and African music, international superstar Tems has been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever halftime concert at a FIFA tournament. The Nigerian-born singer will take the stage at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States, sharing the spotlight with Colombian superstar J Balvin and American rapper Doja Cat.
The landmark performance, produced in partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen, will take place during halftime of the tournament final, marking the first time FIFA has incorporated a Super Bowl-style musical show into its club championship format. Tems’ inclusion in this historic lineup signals both her global music dominance and FIFA’s increasing embrace of multicultural, genre defying talent.
“Tems represents the spirit of international excellence, and her voice resonates beyond borders,” said a FIFA spokesperson. “Bringing her into this performance sets the tone for the kind of global storytelling we want to share at this tournament.” This isn’t Tems’ first high-profile sports performance. In 2023, she took the stage alongside Burna Boy and Rema at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show, in what was hailed as a landmark moment for Afrobeats in international entertainment.
The announcement comes at a high point in Tems’ already stellar career. Just hours before the FIFA reveal, the singer was awarded the Billboard Diamond Award at the Billboard Global Power Players event, where fellow Nigerian icon Olamide was also recognized. The award is a nod to her impact on the U.S. music market and her growing influence in global pop culture.
Tems also celebrated another milestone this week with her hit single “Love Me Jeje” earning Gold certification from the RIAA, adding to her growing list of U.S. achievements. She now holds one of the highest numbers of RIAA certifications for a Nigerian artist, a feat that solidifies her position as a leading African musical export. Her 2024 debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ became a commercial hit and expanded her global fan base, fusing soulful storytelling with rich Afrobeats production. At a recent concert in London, she announced that her sophomore album is in the works and will be released in 2026, building even more anticipation among fans worldwide.
Tems’ upcoming FIFA performance is not just a milestone for her career it represents the increasing global demand for African artists and the mainstreaming of Afrobeats on the world stage. With FIFA leveraging music to elevate its global tournaments, the inclusion of a Nigerian star at the center of its entertainment programming shows how far-reaching and impactful African music has become. As FIFA prepares for the biggest Club World Cup ever expanded to 32 teams and hosted for the first time in the U.S. all eyes will be on Tems when she takes the stage. For the millions watching across continents, the performance won’t just be a halftime show. It’ll be a moment of cultural fusion, musical excellence, and global unity.
The tournament will take place across 12 iconic U.S. stadiums, many of which are also set to be used in the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The cities selected span coast to coast and include major sports hubs such as Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Atlanta, Miami, and Dallas.
This expanded Club World Cup marks a major evolution of the tournament’s history, one that not only celebrates club football’s global reach, but also sets the stage for the U.S. as a central host of elite international soccer.
