FIFA has announced a major change to the pre-match ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, with all players named in a matchday squad set to participate in the build-up to games rather than only the starting line-ups.
The new format will replace the traditional routine where only the starting 11 players from each team line up near the centre of the pitch before kick-off.
Under the revised arrangement, every player selected in both teams’ matchday squads will enter the field through a dedicated arch alongside youth escorts. The players will then gather around the centre circle for the national anthem ceremony.
FIFA also revealed that large national flag banners will be displayed on both sides of the pitch during the pre-match event, adding more colour and atmosphere to the occasion.
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According to the football governing body, the initiative is designed to ensure that every player selected for a match experiences the pride and emotion of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said the new ceremony reflects the inclusive spirit of the World Cup.
“The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that,” Infantino said.
He added that having all players and match officials face one another during the national anthems would create a powerful moment of unity, pride and emotion before kick-off.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The tournament will also make history as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format and bringing more nations and players onto the global stage.
