FIFA has announced a major change to its pre-match presentation for the 2026 World Cup, introducing a new ceremony designed to involve every player in the squad and create a more immersive experience for supporters inside the stadium.
The revamped format will debut at the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa. Instead of only the starting line-ups standing in formation for the national anthems, all available players from each matchday squad will take part in the ceremony.
Players, accompanied by mascots, will enter the field through a dedicated arch before gathering around the centre circle. Large national flags will be displayed on the pitch behind the teams as the anthems are played.
The move marks a significant departure from previous World Cups, where starting XIs lined up facing a stand with mascots positioned in front of them.
FIFA says the new setup is intended to create a “360-degree” stadium experience, allowing fans in every section of the venue to feel more connected to the ceremony. Up to 52 players could be involved if both teams have full squads available.
The governing body has been exploring new ways to enhance pre-match presentations. During the 2025 Club World Cup, FIFA introduced individual walk-on announcements for starting players, but the format drew criticism for extending pre-match proceedings and contributing to delayed kick-offs.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the new approach aims to highlight unity and emotion before matches.
He said having all players and officials facing each other in the centre circle during the anthems would create a powerful moment shared by teams and supporters alike. Infantino added that the World Cup is about every player and every fan, and the updated ceremony reflects that vision.
As the tournament progresses, FIFA plans to further enhance the spectacle with coloured smoke effects and pyrotechnic displays before selected matches.