Just about 52 miles from Manhattan, a quartet of global superstars teamed up as Doja Cat, Tems, J Balvin and Coldplay performed from the upper deck of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with a view of the Big Apple skyline at their back.
Produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, FIFA debuted its first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show on a balmy Sunday (July 13) in the midst of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain doing battle on the pitch.
Not long after the whistle blew following Cole Palmer’s first half masterclass, fans’ necks and attention turned toward the innovative stage design that felt as if it was floating above the stadium.
With how much conversation there was around the newly-planted grass at MetLife, concert organizers shrewdly pivoted to the creative multi-level platform hundreds of feet in the sky to avoid game interruption, which was built with 40,000 pounds of staging structures.
J Balvin got the 15-minute party started with his moombahton smash “Mi Gente.” Draped in all-white, the Colombian star was flanked by dancers and drummers repping the colors of his native country.
Tems brought the African vibes with her tender “Love Me Jeje.” The Nigerian singer glided across the stage in a sparkling cold shoulder black top and heels to the tune of her guitar-tinged hit before Balvin returned for “Reggaeton.”
Doja Cat turned the show into overdrive with her empowering “Woman” bop while rocking a glistening red and blue Adidas top and matching white socks, which felt like a mix of Sporty and Baby Spice. She also gave a tease of her upcoming album with her wardrobe as “Vie” was emblazoned across her midsection.
“I’m proud to represent America on this unique stage that will bring people from all corners of the world together,” Doja told Rolling Stone of the performance last week. “I’m also extremely grateful to continue to support global education efforts by raising funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.”
The surprise of the afternoon came when Coldplay hit the stage for the band’s “A Sky Full of Stars,” which saw the stage’s backdrop turn into a rainbow paradigm. They were joined by Australian artist Emmanuel Kelly, who preached a message of unity while sharing a hug with Chris Martin and Doja Cat.
“I’m so happy we’re here together,” he shouted as fans held up towels spelling out love in various global languages. Kelly made history as the first differently abled FIFA halftime performer. Fireworks filled the sky, but were faint due to the shining daylight.
“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,” said Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans. “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.”
FIFA and Global Citizen have raised $10 million of their $100 million goal to provide educational funding for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The FIFA-Global Citizen partnership will continue next year when the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show comes to MetLife Stadium in July 2026.
Watch the full halftime show performance below.
