Rock Legends Scorpions to Headline Opening Ceremony of FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Scorpions, the legendary German rock band behind global anthems like “Wind of Change” and “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” have been confirmed as the headline act for the opening ceremony of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The band will perform at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh on December 12, just ahead of the tournament’s kickoff match. This marks the first time the iconic group has taken the stage at a major FIFA event.
> “Football unites the world, and so does music,” said lead singer Klaus Meine. “We’re honored to bring some rock and roll energy to this global celebration.”
The performance will include a specially tailored setlist, expected to feature hits such as “Big City Nights”, “Send Me an Angel”, and a new rendition of “Wind of Change”, adapted with multilingual lyrics to reflect the international flavor of the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the decision:
> “The Scorpions are timeless. Their music transcends generations and borders—just like the beautiful game.”
This year’s FIFA Club World Cup will be the first to feature 32 teams, adopting a new expanded format. Organizers say the inclusion of a legendary act like Scorpions signals their commitment to blending sports with world-class entertainment.
Tickets for the opening ceremony and group stage matches are set to go on sale later this month.
