Illustration of FIFA's proposed pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: FIFA
The Federation of International Football Associations has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup that will involve all players named in a matchday squad rather than only the starting line-ups.
The new format marks a departure from the traditional World Cup pre-match routine, where only the starting 11 players from each team line up near the centre of the pitch before kick-off.
Under the arrangement, every player in both teams’ matchday squads will walk onto the pitch through a dedicated arch alongside youth escorts before assembling around the centre circle for the national anthems.
FIFA said large national flag banners will also be displayed on either side of the pitch during the ceremony.
