It wasn’t the Super Bowl, but it made history in its own right: for the first time ever, a FIFA Club World Cup final featured a halftime show – and it brought together four global music powerhouses on one stage. On July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, pop provocateur Doja Cat, Afrobeats sensation Tems, reggaetón superstar J Balvin, and stadium rock icons Coldplay joined forces to deliver a 15-minute extravaganza of music and unity at the FIFA Club World Cup Final. The match itself saw England’s Chelsea FC triumph 3-0 over France’s PSG, but the halftime show scored its own victory as a celebration of international harmony through art.
With the New York City skyline visible in the distance, the performance kicked off high above the pitch – literally. Producers Global Citizen (partnering with FIFA) constructed a multi-level stage atop the stadium’s upper deck, a creative solution to avoid damaging the newly laid grass field. As soon as the whistle blew for intermission, J Balvin erupted onto the sky-high platform to the pounding beats of his smash hit “Mi Gente.” Dressed in all-white and backed by drummers and dancers waving Colombia’s colors, Balvin instantly turned the sporting event into a dance party. He then welcomed Nigeria’s own Tems, who glided in with her sultry track “Love Me Jeje.” In a sparkling black ensemble, Tems delivered smooth vocals over a guitar-infused Afrobeat rhythm, the crowd swaying along to her groove. Balvin briefly returned for a burst of pure “Reggaeton” before yielding the spotlight.
Next up, Doja Cat stormed the stage and kicked the energy into overdrive with her empowering anthem “Woman.” Rocking a glittering red-and-blue adidas crop top (with the word “Vie” emblazoned across her midsection – a cheeky tease of her upcoming album title), the American rapper-singer commanded the crowd’s attention. Flanked by athletic dancers, Doja blended pop flair with sporty spice, even incorporating a few soccer-inspired moves into her choreography. “I’m proud to represent America on this unique stage that brings people from all corners of the world together,” Doja Cat said in an interview ahead of the show. She noted that the performance wasn’t just entertainment – it was tied to a greater good. “I’m also extremely grateful to support global education efforts by raising funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,” she added, referencing the charitable initiative linked to the event.
The halftime spectacle saved a grand surprise for last. As Doja Cat wrapped her number, the opening piano chords of Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars” began echoing through the stadium. Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin – who curated the entire show – appeared with his band on the stage, prompting a roar from the 75,000-strong crowd. The stage’s backdrop transformed into a radiant rainbow cosmos, and out walked Australian singer Emmanuel Kelly to join Coldplay in the performance. Kelly, a differently-abled artist who has become an advocate for disability inclusion, shared a heartfelt hug with Chris Martin and even Doja Cat as he helped sing the euphoric chorus. “I’m so happy we’re here together!” Kelly shouted, while fans in the stands held up towels that spelled “LOVE” in various languages. In that moment, music, sports, and a message of unity merged beautifully. A flurry of daytime fireworks burst above the open stadium (faintly visible against the sun), underscoring the celebratory mood.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans summed up the significance of the occasion. “Today we witnessed something truly historic — artists representing the Americas, Africa, Europe and Oceania coming together on football’s biggest stage,” Evans said. “This international lineup perfectly embodied the idea that music and football can unite the world, and when we take action together, we can make an outsized impact to help children around the world access quality education.” Indeed, the halftime show was not only a cultural moment but a charitable one: FIFA and Global Citizen announced they have raised $10 million so far (toward a $100 million goal) for education programs worldwide. The initiative will continue, as FIFA plans to incorporate a similar halftime concert at next year’s 2026 World Cup Final. If the spectacle in New Jersey was any indication, these collaborations are fast becoming a welcomed new tradition – one where the world’s biggest stars and the beautiful game combine to remind us we’re all on the same team.
