Club World Cup books stars for Super Bowl-style half-time show
2 days agoShareSave
Emma Saunders & Ian Youngs
Culture reporter
Music superstars J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems will perform a half-time show at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey next month, as football follows the example of the Super Bowl.
Colombian singer Balvin, US rapper Doja Cat and Nigerian star Tems will cram their performances into the 15-minute half-time break.
The line-up has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and the event will hope to emulate the success of the long-running Super Bowl half-time show, which has featured stars including Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and The Weeknd in recent years.
Teams including Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain will take part in the tournament across the US from 15 June to 13 July.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “This show will be unforgettable – not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make.”
Previously an annual tournament contested by seven teams, the Club World Cup has been expanded to 32 teams and is aiming for an increased global profile.
Superstar player Lionel Messi will take part for US team Inter Miami, although the team’s participation has raised some eyebrows.
There will be no Cristiano Ronaldo, though, who has declined offers to play for various teams. The 40-year-old is out of contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr at the end of June.
