FIFA to Include All Matchday Squad Players in World Cup 2026 Anthem Ceremonies
FIFA will expand the pre-match national anthem ceremony at the 2026 World Cup to involve every player in the matchday squad. The change adds a redesigned 360-degree format with new visual elements for all stadium seats.
The IndependentFIFA announced a revised pre-match ceremony for the 2026 World Cup that will place every player selected in the matchday squad around the center circle during the national anthems. The format replaces the previous practice of featuring only starting line-ups. Squad members will now stand together on the pitch before kick-off.
The organization stated that the change aims to increase participation for all players selected for each match. A redesigned 360-degree layout will include extra-large country flag banners covering nearly half the pitch and new on-pitch elements oriented toward every seat.
Player entry arches and handheld flags will be added, with colored smoke or pyrotechnics planned for later tournament matches. Traditional elements such as handshakes, team photos of the starting line-ups, and the captains' coin toss will remain after the anthems.
"Having all players and referees face each other in the centre circle during the national anthems will create a moment of unity, pride and emotion that truly belongs to the teams and to everyone in the stadium," President Gianni Infantino stated. The same statement noted that the updated ceremony will apply to every match, with enhanced features for selected games.
