The Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) has introduced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing every player named in a matchday squad to take part in the pre-game presentation.
The revised format moves away from the long-standing tradition where only the starting eleven from each team lined up before kick-off.
Under the new arrangement, all players selected for a match will walk onto the pitch through a special arch alongside youth escorts before gathering around the centre circle for the national anthems.
FIFA also revealed that large national flag banners will be displayed on both sides of the field as part of the ceremony.
According to the world football governing body, the initiative is designed to ensure that every player involved in a match shares in the experience of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the new format reflects the spirit of inclusiveness at the World Cup.
“The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that,” Infantino said.
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He added that having all players and match officials facing one another during the national anthems would create a powerful atmosphere filled with unity, pride and emotion.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
The competition will also make history as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-nation format.