FIFA Changes Pre-Match Ceremony for 2026 World Cup

Illustration of FIFA's new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: FIFA

FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup. This new plan includes all players named in a matchday squad, not just the starting line-ups.

This change is different from the usual World Cup pre-match routine. In the past, only the starting 11 players from each team lined up near the centre of the pitch before the match began.

Now, every player in both teams’ matchday squads will walk onto the pitch through a special arch with youth escorts. They will then gather around the centre circle for the national anthems.

FIFA also mentioned that large national flag banners will be shown on either side of the pitch during the ceremony.

FIFA said this new idea lets all players chosen for a match share the experience of representing their countries on football’s biggest stage.

“The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday.

He also said having all players and referees face each other during the national anthems will create “a moment of unity, pride and emotion.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

This tournament will be the first World Cup featuring 48 teams. This is an increase from the previous 32-team format.