The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already set to become the most ambitious tournament in football history.
For the first time ever, the competition will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA have repeatedly described the tournament as a new era for international football. The organisation now appears determined to transform the overall matchday experience as well.
In recent months, FIFA have already introduced several changes surrounding ticketing, scheduling, and tournament presentation ahead of the World Cup.
Now, the governing body has officially confirmed another major adjustment involving the traditional pre-match routine.
FIFA announced that all players, including substitutes, will stand together around the centre circle during the national anthems at this summer’s tournament.
Traditionally, only starting line-ups have stood on the pitch for the anthems before matches, usually positioned facing the dugouts.
However, FIFA are now introducing a completely different format as part of what they describe as a “360-degree concept”.
Under the new system, both starting players and substitutes will gather around the centre circle alongside the referees during the anthem ceremony.
Meanwhile, giant national flags will also be unfurled on both sides of the pitch to create a more immersive atmosphere inside the stadium.
After the anthem presentation, the standard routine will continue with handshakes between players before captains meet the referee for the coin toss.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally explained the changes while unveiling the new ceremony plans. Infantino said:
“As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced. The pre-match ceremonies at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be no different.
“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.
“In addition, we will have a redesigned 360-degree ceremony which engages every fan in the stadium, including country flag banners and on-pitch elements oriented to create a unique, immersive experience from every seat.”
Infantino also revealed that FIFA plan to add more visual effects later in the tournament. He added:
“Later in the tournament, the pre-match ceremony will incorporate additional elements such as coloured smoke or pyrotechnics.”
Those extra additions could appear primarily during knockout matches. The new ceremony format will officially debut during next Thursday’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City.
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