Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is set to become the first Nigerian and African female artist to headline a FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show, marking a historic milestone for African music on the global stage.

The halftime performance, scheduled for July 13 at the MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, will take place during the final of the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which now features 32 of the world’s top football clubs from Europe, South America, Africa, and beyond.

Tems will share the prestigious stage with Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and American rapper and singer Doja Cat in what FIFA is calling a celebration of music, unity, and global impact.

“We’re going to bring the world together for a beautiful moment to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. I can’t wait to see you at the Club World Cup final!” Tems said in a statement.

Her appearance signals the growing influence of Afrobeats and African culture on international platforms. The singer has already performed at Coachella 2024, the Glastonbury Festival, and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, but this FIFA appearance takes her journey to new heights, positioning her among the few African artists to ever grace a global sports final.

The show also marks the official launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football for children around the world. As part of the campaign, $1 from every Club World Cup ticket sold in the U.S. will go toward the fund.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a way to bring the world together through football and music.