Countdown to Kickoff: French Montana, Swae Lee and More Set to Ignite FIFA Club World Cup Opening

With just a week to go, FIFA isn’t the only one counting down — Grammy-nominated rapper French Montana, multi-platinum recording artist and Rae Sremmurd member Swae Lee, Latin pop artist and La Voz finalist Vikina, and rising Caribbean fusion singer Richaelio are gearing up to headline the opening ceremony of the first-ever 32-team Club World Cup on June 14.

Set to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which has been home to many global events, the show will launch what FIFA calls a “bold new era” in global club football.

Curated by Grammy-winning producer Emilio Estefan Jr., the event will fuse Latin flair, international music and symbolic visuals celebrating all 32 participating teams.

“This act will celebrate a multicultural sound from around the world, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures and rhythms that soccer brings together,” Estefan said. “We’re welcoming the world to Miami with music, joy and unity.” 

The 2025 ceremony is produced in partnership with Balich Wonder Studio — the creative force behind the breathtaking opener for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. That show featured over 900 production crew members and a massive drone spectacle.

This year’s event, themed “A New Era Begins,” promises to deliver another unforgettable moment on the global stage.

 The opening ceremony will begin with a countdown video highlighting club supporters from every continent, followed by a performance from Vikina and Richaelio.

“To perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA Club World Cup, right here in my hometown, is a dream come true,” Vikina said. “We’re turning up the volume and bringing that Miami rhythm to the world, just as this incredible mix of football cultures and passion is about to be felt across the country and around the globe.”

French Montana and Swae Lee will then kick off their performance before the ball officially gets rolling in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ match between Al Ahly FC and host club Inter Miami CF.

“Man, this is big – the FIFA Club World Cup opening ceremony,” Montana said. “I can’t wait to bring that real energy, connect with all the fans and celebrate what soccer and music can do when they come together.”

To close the show before the main event begins, young players representing each of the 32 participating clubs will carry their team crests onto the field, forming a glowing tribute that spells out “FIFA.”

The display will remain in the U.S. before being moved to the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland. The museum also houses the original FIFA World Cup Trophy and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy, along with historic memorabilia like Pelé’s 1958 World Cup tracksuit and the first football shirts from the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.

“This isn’t just a show, it’s a whole vibe. Soccer, music, culture – we’re bringing it all, making sure the world feels the heat from the United States and beyond,” Lee said.

FIFA officials have hailed this expanded tournament as the most inclusive global club competition ever, bringing together champions from all six confederations.

“The opening ceremony will pulse with rhythm and energy – from the powerful drummers who set the heartbeat of the night to the dynamic visuals that bring the tournament’s trophy into the spotlight,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s chief event operations officer.

Bringing together champions, fans, and stars from every corner of the globe, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 promises a powerful celebration of its unifying spirit.

Tickets for the tournament are available at FIFA.com/tickets, and ticket-inclusive hospitality packages can be purchased at FIFA.com/hospitality. All matches will stream live and free on DAZN.com

Tiffany Gonzalez
I’m a writer for Listen In With KNN as an editorial and digital intern. I’m currently studying journalism and mass communication at Arizona State University. I’ve loved storytelling since high school, and I’m passionate about using my voice to uplift others and highlight stories that are often overlooked. Through my work, I aim to make people feel seen, heard, and understood.