FIFA revamps World Cup 2026 anthem ceremony to include full squads and 360-degree fan experience

FIFA has overhauled the pre-match ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, requiring all players in each matchday squad to stand together around the centre circle during national anthems rather than limiting the ritual to starting line-ups.

The governing body described the change as “fan-centric”, arguing that involving substitutes alongside starters will amplify the sense of pride and emotion for players representing their country on football’s biggest stage. Referees will also face the players in the centre circle during the anthems.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the redesign forms part of a broader effort to deepen the experience for everyone inside the stadium. “Having all players and referees face each other in the centre circle during the national anthems will create a moment of unity, pride and emotion that truly belongs to the teams and to everyone in the stadium,” he said.

The ceremony will also introduce what FIFA calls a “360-degree concept” intended to bring equal value to every seat in the venue. Extra-large country flag banners — large enough to cover almost half the pitch — will be deployed before kick-off, a visual approach similar to the oversized US flag displays seen at NFL games in recent years. New player entry arches and handheld flags will also be introduced to build anticipation ahead of kick-off.

Infantino added that “new visual elements” and “enhanced features for selected matches” would be part of the package, with coloured smoke or pyrotechnics incorporated into the ceremony for knockout-stage fixtures later in the tournament.

The traditional elements of the pre-match ritual remain intact. Handshakes and team photographs of the starting line-ups will still take place after the anthems, followed by the captains’ coin toss.