In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has officially named rap legend Eminem as the inaugural halftime performer for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, set to take place on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This historic announcement marks the first time FIFA has adopted the NFL’s iconic Super Bowl-style halftime show format for a soccer event, signaling a bold step to elevate the global appeal of the expanded 32-team tournament. Eminem, a 15-time Grammy winner and one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, was chosen to headline this landmark moment, promising a performance that blends raw lyricism with stadium-shaking energy. As soccer embraces this American-inspired spectacle, the decision has sparked excitement and debate, with fans and critics questioning whether Eminem’s provocative style can captivate a global audience and redefine the sport’s biggest stage.

A Historic Shift for FIFA and Soccer

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, hosted across 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13, is a reimagined tournament featuring 32 top clubs from all six continental federations, a significant expansion from its previous format. The final, to be held at the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium, is poised to be a global spectacle, with FIFA aiming to rival the Super Bowl’s cultural impact. The introduction of a halftime show, announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in March 2025, reflects the organization’s ambition to merge soccer’s global reach with American entertainment flair.

Eminem’s selection, revealed in a FIFA press release on July 7, 2025, was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and manager Phil Harvey, who collaborated with advocacy group Global Citizen to produce the show. Unlike the previously announced trio of J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, Eminem’s inclusion as a solo headliner was a last-minute shift, driven by his proven ability to command massive audiences, as seen in his 2022 Super Bowl LVI performance alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent, which garnered 337 million YouTube views. FIFA’s choice underscores its goal to create a “historic moment” that resonates with the 1.5 billion viewers who tuned into the 2022 World Cup final.

Why Eminem? A Perfect Fit for a Global Stage

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is no stranger to high-stakes performances. At 52, the Detroit native has a career spanning over three decades, with hits like “Lose Yourself,” “Stan,” and “Without Me” cementing his status as a cultural icon. His 2022 Super Bowl performance, where he delivered a blistering set and took a knee in solidarity with social justice movements, showcased his ability to captivate diverse audiences. Sporting News noted his nerves before that event—“It’s f—ing nerve-wracking… if you f— up, your f— up is there forever”—but his flawless execution proved his mettle.

FIFA’s decision to choose Eminem reflects a strategic blend of global appeal and American cultural resonance. His collaborations with artists like Rihanna (“Love the Way You Lie”), Drake (“Forever”), and Beyoncé (“Walk on Water”) demonstrate his crossover potential, appealing to fans across genres and continents. The Athletic suggested that halftime performers should “capture a cultural moment,” and Eminem’s provocative lyricism and raw authenticity fit the bill, promising a performance that could spark the same buzz as Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl show, which drew 133.5 million viewers. His recent work on Snoop Dogg’s Missionary album, particularly the track “Gunz N Smoke” with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, further highlights his relevance, blending nostalgia with modern edge.

The Performance: What to Expect

While FIFA has not detailed the performance’s logistics, the halftime show is expected to fit within soccer’s traditional 15-minute break, a challenge given the Super Bowl’s 30-minute window for stage setup and breakdown. Sources speculate that Eminem’s set will be a compact, high-energy medley, potentially featuring hits like “Lose Yourself” and new verses tailored to the global soccer audience. ESPN noted the logistical hurdles, emphasizing that FIFA must avoid extending halftime to preserve the game’s flow, a concern echoed by Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo after the 2024 Copa América’s 25-minute halftime for Shakira’s performance.

Rumors on X suggest Eminem may bring surprise guests, with names like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, or even Rihanna floated due to their shared history. His recent performance at Snoop Dogg’s 28th wedding anniversary, where he delivered emotional verses alongside Dre, 50 Cent, and Drake, hints at the possibility of a star-studded lineup. The Sun described that event as leaving Snoop in tears, showcasing Eminem’s ability to blend raw lyricism with emotional impact. The Phantom rumor surrounding Rachel Zegler, Zegler’s Evita co-star, also sparked speculation about a theatrical element, though unconfirmed.

The Debate: A Bold Move or a Misstep?

Eminem’s selection has ignited a polarized response. Supporters see it as a coup for FIFA, leveraging his global fanbase and cultural relevance to elevate the Club World Cup’s profile. Goal.com reported an 82% approval rating among American fans for a World Cup halftime show, suggesting enthusiasm for a Super Bowl-style spectacle. On X, fans like @PopBase cheered, “Eminem at the Club World Cup? This is gonna be legendary!” His Detroit roots and support for the NFL’s Rams due to Matthew Stafford’s Lions connection add a relatable American angle for U.S. audiences.

Critics, however, question whether Eminem’s intense, often controversial style suits soccer’s diverse, family-oriented audience. The Athletic warned that halftime shows risk alienating “old-school soccer fans,” citing the 2022 Champions League final where Camila Cabello was drowned out by Liverpool and Real Madrid supporters. Reddit’s r/popheads highlighted logistical concerns, noting that soccer’s 15-minute halftime is “too tense” for fans to enjoy a performance, unlike the NFL’s extended breaks. Some X users echoed this, with one writing, “Eminem’s dope, but soccer fans don’t want a concert in the middle of a final.”

The choice to pivot from J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems, announced by Olympics.com in June 2025, has also raised eyebrows. The trio’s diverse, global appeal was seen as a nod to the tournament’s international scope, while Eminem’s selection leans heavily American. CNN noted FIFA’s collaboration with Global Citizen aims to promote social causes like poverty reduction, but Eminem’s provocative lyrics could clash with this messaging, especially after his 2024 political jabs at Trump supporters in The Death of Slim Shady.

The Bigger Picture: Soccer Meets American Spectacle

The introduction of a halftime show for the 2025 Club World Cup is a bold experiment, aligning with FIFA’s broader push to Americanize soccer’s presentation in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, hosts of the 2026 World Cup. Newsweek reported that FIFA plans a “Times Square Takeover” for the 2026 final weekend, indicating a strategy to merge sport with entertainment. The Club World Cup, with matches in cities like Miami, Seattle, and Atlanta, is a testing ground for this approach, capitalizing on the U.S.’s growing soccer fandom, fueled by Lionel Messi’s MLS impact.

Eminem’s selection reflects this ambition, aiming to draw casual viewers who tuned into Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl performance or the 2022 hip-hop extravaganza featuring Eminem himself. Radioandmusic.com noted that Super Bowl halftime shows, like the 2016 Coldplay performance with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, are cultural phenomena, and FIFA hopes to replicate this impact. Yet, ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti cautioned that extending halftime could disrupt the game’s integrity, a line FIFA must not cross.

Looking Ahead: A Game-Changer or a One-Off?

Eminem’s performance is poised to be a defining moment for the Club World Cup, potentially setting the stage for the 2026 World Cup final’s halftime show, also at MetLife Stadium. Variety reported that Global Citizen’s four-year partnership with FIFA ensures more high-profile performances, with Coldplay’s curation signaling a focus on global stars. Whether Eminem’s set will resonate with soccer’s diverse audience or alienate purists remains to be seen, but his track record suggests a show that will be talked about for years.

As the countdown to July 13, 2025, begins, anticipation is building for what could be a historic fusion of sport and music. Eminem, with his knack for defying expectations, is ready to take soccer’s biggest stage by storm. As one X user put it, “Eminem at a soccer final? Slim Shady’s about to make history.” Whether it’s a triumph or a controversy, this halftime show will mark a new era for FIFA, proving that even in soccer, the beat goes on.