2025 FIFA Club World Cup Opening Ceremony: Time, Performers & What to Expect
The wait is over. The biggest club tournament on Earth is kicking off. And it’s happening in Miami.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 starts with a full-on show. Not just a match. A night packed with music, lights, and crowd energy. It all goes down at Hard Rock Stadium, and fans are ready.
Before the first ball is kicked, the world will watch the opening ceremony. Let’s break it down. Start Time, place, performers, and everything that makes this night special.
What Time Does the Opening Ceremony Start?
It all starts on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The opening ceremony begins at 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time. Right after that, the first match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET, featuring Inter Miami vs Al Ahly.
Here are the start times across all U.S. time zones:
| USA Time Zone | Opening Ceremony | Match Kickoff |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 7:15 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
| Central (CT) | 6:15 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
| Mountain (MT) | 5:15 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| Pacific (PT) | 4:15 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. |
| Alaska (AKT) | 3:15 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| Hawaii (HST) | 1:15 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
Worldwide times for both events:
| Country / Region | Ceremony Start | Match Kickoff |
|---|---|---|
| UK (BST) | 12:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 1:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| France/Germany (CEST) | 1:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 2:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Egypt (EET) | 8:15 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| South Africa (SAST) | 1:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 2:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Saudi Arabia (AST) | 2:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 3:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| India (IST) | 4:45 a.m. (Jun 15) | 5:30 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Bangladesh (BST) | 5:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 6:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Indonesia (WIB) | 6:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 7:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| China (CST) | 7:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 8:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Japan (JST) | 8:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 9:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Australia (AEST) | 10:15 a.m. (Jun 15) | 11:00 a.m. (Jun 15) |
| Brazil (BRT) | 8:15 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Argentina (ART) | 8:15 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Mexico (CDT) | 6:15 p.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
| Canada (ET) | 7:15 p.m. | 8:00 p.m. |
Where Will the Ceremony Take Place?
The action happens at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
This is one of the most advanced stadiums in the world. It holds more than 65,000 people. It’s hosted the Super Bowl, F1, and now, football’s biggest club event.
The setup? Loud. Open-air. Sharp sound. Massive screens. Fans can expect light shows, on-site events, and food trucks.
Get there early. Parking fills up fast. And make sure your bag is clear. Security will be tight.
Who’s Performing at the Opening Ceremony?
Two global stars take the main stage.
French Montana and Swae Lee will close the ceremony with high-energy sets. Expect stadium beats and crowd-hype anthems.
This is the final act before kickoff. Their sound matches the moment. Loud. Fast. Stadium-sized.
Who Are the Opening Acts Before the Headliners?
Before the headliners hit the stage, Vikina and Richaelio open the night.
They bring Miami’s voice to the show. Latin music. Rap. Local rhythm.
Their performance is produced by Emilio Estefan Jr., a Grammy-winning legend behind Miami’s biggest sounds.
It’s the warm-up, but it hits like a headline.
What’s the Theme of This Year’s Ceremony?
The message is simple: “A New Era Begins.”
This isn’t just another Club World Cup. This is the first with 32 teams. It’s a whole new format.
The theme comes alive with color, light, and movement.
You’ll see all 32 club crests form a giant symbol on the pitch. There’s a live drumline. Dancers from every continent. Choirs backing the sound.
It’s a welcome to something bigger.
What’s New for Fans Inside the Stadium?
FIFA is rolling out new tech just for this tournament.
- Ref cams show you what officials see
- AI-offside tech makes faster, clearer calls
- VAR decisions play out live on the big screen
- Audio description helps visually impaired fans follow the match in real-time
It’s built for transparency. Built for trust. Built for fans who want to stay in the moment.
What’s Happening at Halftime of the Final Match?
The final on July 13, 2025 will feature a halftime show like no other.
The performers?
- J Balvin
- Doja Cat
- Tems
This isn’t a break. It’s a full production. A concert inside a championship match.
Think Super Bowl, but global. This show will be broadcast live, with lights, effects, and stadium energy.
What to Expect From the Full Experience
It’s more than just football.
You’ll get sound. Color. Culture. Music. A stadium full of fans from every part of the world.
From Vikina to Messi, it’s all part of one long opening night.
And it starts on June 14. In Miami. With the world watching.
