By Enitan Abdultawab
FIFA has announced a revised pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup that will now involve every player listed in a matchday squad, instead of only the starting eleven.
Traditionally, only the starting players from both teams line up at the centre of the pitch before kickoff. However, all selected players will now walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch alongside youth escorts before gathering around the centre circle for the national anthems.
FIFA also confirmed that large national flag banners will be displayed on both sides of the pitch during the ceremony as part of the updated presentation.
According to FIFA, the change is aimed at ensuring that every squad member “shares in the experience of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative is designed to strengthen unity and emotion in the pre-match moment, stating that bringing all players and referees together during the anthem would create “a moment of unity, pride and emotion.”
The 2026 tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
It will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format.
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