Fifa announce major changes to be implemented before every World Cup match

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFifa is implementing major changes to the pre-match ceremony for the World Cup 2026, aiming to create a more immersive and emotional experience for both players and fans. A significant alteration is that every player selected in the matchday squad, not just the starting line-up, will now be involved in the national anthem ceremony, gathering around the centre circle banner. Fifa President Gianni Infantino stated that these innovations will foster a moment of unity, pride, and emotion, with a redesigned 360-degree ceremony engaging every fan in the stadium. The new concept includes extra-large country flag banners that will cover almost half the pitch, similar to those used in NFL matches, enhancing the visual spectacle. Traditional pre-match rituals such as handshakes, team photos of the starting line-ups, and the coin toss will be retained, with later tournament matches also featuring coloured smoke or pyrotechnics. In fullFifa announce ‘fan-centric’ change to national anthems at World Cup 2026Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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