The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup halftime show has quickly become a headline-grabbing event, bringing together international music stars on one of soccer’s biggest stages. The involvement of top artists like Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems and Emmanuel Kelly adds an exciting new layer to the tournament’s global appeal.
With such high-profile performances set to take place, questions inevitably arise about the logistics behind the scenes. Details about artist participation, including compensation, remain closely guarded, fueling speculation among fans and industry watchers alike.
This show represents more than just entertainment; it’s a strategic element designed to capture worldwide attention. Understanding the full scope behind the scenes offers insight into the evolving relationship between soccer and music at marquee events.
Did the artists get paid to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup halftime show?
FIFA and Global Citizen have not publicly disclosed whether artists like J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems or Emmanuel Kelly received payment for their performances at the 2025 Club World Cup halftime show. However, based on the nature of the event and its purpose, there are some clues worth considering.
Doja Cat, Tems, J Balvin and Emmanuel Kelly in 2025. (Source: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair — Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images for Omega — Michael Loccisano/Getty Images — Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
The show was produced by Global Citizen, a nonprofit organization known for organizing large-scale concerts where artists often perform pro bono to support social causes. In this case, it was tied to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education worldwide.
One dollar from every ticket sold went directly to this initiative. Given the charitable focus and Global Citizen’s history of working with artists who donate their time and talent, it’s likely that the performers participated without traditional compensation, instead lending their voices to amplify the cause.
