The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show on a balmy Sunday (July 13) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey was a spectacle of global unity, but it also marked a pivotal moment for representation. Amidst a quartet of superstar performances, Nigerian musical sensation Tems made history, becoming the first Black woman ever to perform at this prestigious FIFA event, etching her name into the annals of both music and sports.
Produced by Global Citizen and expertly curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the halftime show debuted against the dramatic backdrop of the New York City skyline, as Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain battled it out on the pitch. Following Cole Palmer’s first-half masterclass, attention seamlessly shifted from the field to an innovative multi-level stage design that appeared to float high above the stadium. This ingenious setup, built with 40,000 pounds of staging structures, cleverly avoided any interruption to the newly-planted grass, showcasing a blend of creative production and logistical foresight.
The 15-minute musical extravaganza kicked off with J Balvin's electrifying "Mi Gente," setting an energetic tone. However, it was Tems who truly brought the soulful 'African vibes' to the global stage. Gliding across the platform in a sparkling cold shoulder black top, the Nigerian singer captivated the audience with her tender, guitar-tinged hit “Love Me Jeje.” Her performance was not just a musical act; it was a powerful statement of African talent and cultural presence reaching a truly global audience for the very first time in this historic capacity.
Doja Cat then supercharged the show with her empowering "Woman," dazzling in a custom Swarovski-crystal-studded red and blue Adidas dress. She also offered a tantalizing tease of her upcoming album, with "Vie" emblazoned across her midsection. Doja Cat articulated the significance, telling Rolling Stone, "I’m proud to represent America on this unique stage... I’m also extremely grateful to continue to support global education efforts."
The show culminated with a surprise performance from Coldplay, who performed "A Sky Full of Stars," transforming the stage's backdrop into a vibrant rainbow. They were joined by Australian artist Emmanuel Kelly, who made history as the first differently-abled FIFA halftime performer, preaching unity and sharing hugs with Chris Martin and Doja Cat.
Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, perfectly encapsulated the moment: “Today we witnessed something truly historic — artists representing the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania coming together on football’s biggest stage for the first ever FIFA halftime show.” Tems' groundbreaking performance was a highlight of this international lineup, embodying the idea that music and football possess an unparalleled power to unite the world and drive collective action for global education. Her historic moment paves the way for greater diversity and representation on future global stages.
