Located just about 52 miles from the bustling streets of Manhattan, a remarkable ensemble of global music icons, including Doja Cat, Tems, J Balvin, and Coldplay, delivered an electrifying performance from the upper deck of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The breathtaking view of the New York City skyline served as an awe-inspiring backdrop for this unforgettable event, drawing fans from near and far to witness this extraordinary fusion of music and sports.
With a groundbreaking debut, the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show was produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay. This exciting event took place on a warm Sunday, July 13, amidst an intense match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, captivating audiences both on the field and in the stands with its innovative musical showcase.
As the game progressed and the whistle signaled the end of the first half, fans eagerly turned their attention to the impressive stage design that appeared to float effortlessly above the stadium. The anticipation grew as they awaited the spectacular performances that were about to unfold in this unique halftime show.
Amidst discussions about the newly laid grass at MetLife Stadium, concert organizers strategically opted for a multi-level platform that soared hundreds of feet above the ground. This creative setup, constructed with an impressive 40,000 pounds of staging materials, ensured that the performances would not interfere with the ongoing game, allowing fans to enjoy both the sports action and the musical extravaganza.
The vibrant atmosphere kicked off when J Balvin ignited the stage with his infectious moombahton anthem “Mi Gente.” Dressed in an all-white ensemble, the Colombian superstar was accompanied by an energetic troupe of dancers and drummers, proudly showcasing the vibrant colors of his homeland while setting the tone for a lively event.
Next to grace the stage was Tems, who captivated the audience with her soulful performance of “Love Me Jeje.” The talented Nigerian artist glided gracefully across the stage in a sparkling cold shoulder top paired with stylish heels, enchanting fans with her guitar-infused hit before Balvin returned for a high-energy rendition of “Reggaeton.”
Doja Cat took the performance to the next level with her empowering anthem “Woman,” dazzling the audience in a shimmering red and blue Adidas outfit complemented by matching white socks. Her look was reminiscent of both Sporty Spice and Baby Spice, captivating fans. Additionally, she offered a sneak peek of her upcoming album, showcasing the title “Vie” emblazoned across her midsection, generating excitement among her followers.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent America on this extraordinary stage, which unites people from all walks of life,” Doja shared with Rolling Stone prior to the performance. “I am also immensely grateful to contribute to global educational initiatives by raising funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund through this event.”
The afternoon reached a climactic surprise when Coldplay took the stage to perform “A Sky Full of Stars.” The backdrop transformed into a vibrant rainbow display, creating a stunning visual experience. They were joined by Australian artist Emmanuel Kelly, who conveyed a powerful message of unity while sharing an emotional hug with Chris Martin and Doja Cat, emphasizing the importance of togetherness.
“I’m overjoyed that we are all here together,” he exclaimed, as fans waved towels featuring the word “love” in various global languages. Kelly made history as the first differently abled performer during a FIFA halftime show, making the moment even more significant. Although the daytime sky muted the fireworks display, the atmosphere was electrifying.
“Today marked a truly historic moment as artists from the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania came together on football’s most prestigious stage for the inaugural FIFA halftime show,” remarked Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen. “This international lineup beautifully illustrated how music and football can unite the world, reinforcing the idea that collective action can create a significant impact to provide quality education for children globally.”
Through the collaboration of FIFA and Global Citizen, a remarkable $10 million has already been raised towards their ambitious $100 million goal, aimed at funding educational opportunities for children via the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This partnership is set to continue as the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show returns to MetLife Stadium in July 2026, promising another exciting chapter in this ongoing initiative.
Don’t miss the chance to watch the full halftime show performance below.
