Read the articol in Italian on ilNewyorkese
For the first time ever in a FIFA competition, the break between halves will feature a full-blown musical performance curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
History will be made on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the MetLife Stadium in New York-New Jersey: the first-ever Halftime Show in the history of soccer will take place during the final of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
The night is set to redefine how soccer is experienced, blending sport and music in a format clearly inspired by the Super Bowl—a cornerstone of American pop culture, where the game is only part of the spectacle.
The announcement, made on June 9 via Instagram by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the organization’s official accounts, immediately drew major buzz. But now, as the final approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Whoever lifts the trophy—Chelsea or PSG—will also go down in history as the first club to win a FIFA title with a live global music performance during halftime.
Headlining the inaugural FIFA Final Halftime Show will be three global superstars: J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. Each artist represents a different continent, symbolizing a message of unity, inclusion, and social impact. The show is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced by Global Citizen, in partnership with Live Nation, Done+Dusted, and DPS.
This won’t be your typical halftime break. To allow for the performance—and to give players a breather under the summer heat—the usual 15-minute interval will be extended. A stage will be assembled and dismantled in record time, turning the intermission into a key part of the event rather than a lull in the action.
Behind the lights and music lies a meaningful cause: the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a new initiative aiming to raise $100 million to support education and soccer access for children around the world. For every ticket sold during the tournament, $1 will be donated to the fund.
“This show will be unforgettable—not just for the spectacle itself, but for the lasting impact it will have,” said Infantino. “It’s an opportunity to unite the world through football and music, while investing in the future of the next generation.”
The artists also emphasized the symbolic value of the moment.
“From Medellín to MetLife, it’s an honor to be part of the first-ever FIFA Halftime Show,” said J Balvin, who views his role as a tribute to Latin culture. Tems called it “a beautiful moment” to celebrate sport and unity, while Doja Cat reaffirmed her support for Global Citizen’s causes, which she has championed in previous international events.
The initiative marks another step in FIFA’s ongoing efforts to adapt to American audiences—particularly with the upcoming FIFA World Cup taking place in the U.S. As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
In Europe, football is treated as sacred, with any distractions often frowned upon. In the U.S., however, sports are part of a broader collective experience, where competition, showmanship, and entertainment all come together.
The July 13 event seems tailor-made for the American model of sport-as-entertainment. Still, there’s skepticism about whether it could work in other cultural contexts, where the game—and the rolling ball on the green pitch—is almost a religious ritual.
The PSY Precedent: Coppa Italia Final 2013
Back in 2013, Serie A attempted something similar during the Coppa Italia final between Roma and Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. K-pop sensation PSY, riding high on his global hit “Gangnam Style,” was invited to perform about an hour before kickoff. The result? A complete disaster. The crowd booed him relentlessly throughout the performance. In regions like Europe—and especially Italy—fans go to watch the match, not a sideshow.
The U.S., of course, has a different relationship with sports, and in fact, another FIFA Final Cup Halftime Show has already been confirmed for the 2026 World Cup Final, also set to take place in New York.
Soccer is trying on a new face—adapting to the times and to the places that host it. For one night, the game will bask in the spotlight like never before. What happens next? Only time will tell.
L’articolo Club World Cup Goes Super Bowl Style: Longer Halftime for Historic Halftime Show proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
