The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup halftime show was a global spectacle, featuring star performers Doja Cat, J Balvin, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.
Held at MetLife Stadium during the tournament’s final, the show added massive entertainment value and global appeal. But one major question remains: Were these artists paid to perform?
FIFA partnered with Global Citizen to produce the halftime event, aligning the performance with a philanthropic initiative — the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for global education access. Historically, Global Citizen has worked with high-profile musicians who perform pro bono in support of charitable causes.
Although FIFA and Global Citizen have not officially confirmed whether the artists received any payment, multiple indicators suggest the artists likely performed without traditional compensation. One dollar from every ticket sold went directly to the education fund, reinforcing the event’s fundraising purpose.
This collaboration highlights the growing intersection of music and global sports, using celebrity influence to raise awareness and drive donations. For artists like Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin, participating in such events offers global visibility and a chance to support impactful causes — even if it means forgoing a paycheck.
With no public confirmation of performance fees, fans and industry insiders are left to speculate. But given the show’s nonprofit backing and Global Citizen’s legacy, it’s likely that the artists donated their time and talent in support of the greater mission.
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