World Cup: FIFA Launches New Pre‑Match Ceremony for Squad Players

By Enitan Abdultawab

FIFA has unveiled a new pre‑match ceremony for the 2026 World Cup that will include every player named in a matchday squad, rather than only the starting eleven.

In the past, only the starting players from each side would line up at the centre of the pitch before kickoff. Under the new format, all selected players will enter the field through a dedicated arch, accompanied by youth escorts, before gathering around the centre circle for the national anthems.

The federation also announced that large national flag banners will be displayed on both sides of the pitch during the ceremony as part of the updated presentation.

FIFA said the change is intended to ensure that every squad member “shares in the experience of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained that the initiative aims to strengthen unity and emotion in the pre‑match moment, noting that bringing all players and referees together during the anthem would create “a moment of unity, pride and emotion.”

The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will run from 11 June to 19 July. It will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32‑team format.

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