2026 World Cup: All players gathered at centre circle during anthems

For the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA is introducing a visible change from the opening seconds of each match: the national anthem ceremony will be completely redesigned.

Gone are the days of starters lined up facing the official stand, with substitutes relegated to the bench. From this tournament onwards, the entire squad — starters and field players alike — will position themselves around the centre circle to listen to and sing the national anthem. The referees will also take their place there.

“The fact that all players and referees face each other at the centre of the pitch during the national anthems will create a moment of unity, pride and emotion that truly belongs to the teams and all the spectators in the stadium,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. “The World Cup is about every player and every supporter, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that.”

Beyond player placement, FIFA is announcing a “360-degree redesigned ceremony” intended to involve all spectators present in the stadiums. Infantino mentions banners in the colours of national flags, new player entrance arches, portable flags and visual elements oriented to provide “a unique and immersive experience from every seat”.

Once the anthems are finished, the protocol will resume its usual course: handshakes between the teams, official photos, then the coin toss carried out by the referee alongside the two captains.

This ceremony change is part of a series of adjustments planned for the 2026 World Cup, including the systematic introduction of cooling breaks — regardless of weather conditions.