For the first time in its history, the Club World Cup is adding something more than soccer to its pitch: a halftime show. Set to debut in the 2025 edition, this new twist brings a layer of entertainment that’s long been reserved for events like the Super Bowl.
The move signals a major shift in how FIFA is framing the tournament, which will be hosted in the US. But it also raises a bigger question: why hasn’t this happened before? With millions tuning in, the halftime window has always been prime real estate.
From conservative traditions to broadcast dynamics, the reasons run deeper than expected. Now, with pop culture and global soccer inching closer than ever, the organization seems ready to embrace the spectacle. What changed — and why now?
Why did the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup never have a halftime show?
FIFA never included a halftime show in previous Club World Cups because of a mix of soccer tradition, logistical limitations and cultural resistance to spectacle within the game. For decades, the 15-minute break has been treated strictly as time for tactical regrouping and recovery.
In the eyes of many purists, inserting entertainment in that narrow window would have disrupted the rhythm and seriousness of the sport. The Club World Cup itself didn’t offer the kind of platform that invited such experimentation.
With only seven teams and little global fanfare compared to the World Cup or Champions League, it lacked the scale and visibility needed to justify turning halftime into a headline moment. In many ways, it was seen as a tournament for completists—not for showbiz.
That perception has shifted with the 2025 edition. The tournament’s expansion to 32 clubs, its relocation to the United States, and FIFA’s growing interest in audience engagement have all created the conditions for something new.
A halftime show is no longer seen as a distraction—it’s a statement. And it’s arriving just in time to signal a new era. Adding another layer of purpose, the inaugural performance is also part of a larger charitable mission.
In collaboration with Global Citizen, they will use the show to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to generate $100 million to support youth soccer and education programs in over 200 countries. Each match ticket will contribute one dollar to the cause.
