In the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is going to present a new scene for the spectators before the matches in Canada, USA and Mexico. FIFA has announced that not only the original XI, but all substitutes will be on the field during the playing of the national anthem before the match.
FIFA has now decided to change the rule that only the original XI will come to the field during the playing of the national anthem, and bring all the players selected for the match (original and substitutes) to the field.
All will be lined up in the middle of the field, a large national flag will be displayed and some children will be on the field with the players.
Last year FIFA trialled a new ceremony at the Club World Cup, where each player was introduced separately as they entered the field. This approach has not been adopted for national team World Cups, but this time FIFA is going to make a bigger presentation.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, "As the World Cup grows day by day, we must do something that changes the way the game is watched.
All the players and referees should stand in the middle of the field to create a united, proud and emotional moment, just for the teams, for everyone present.
The World Cup is for every player and supporter, and these new pre-match programs will reflect that."
The first match of the 2026 World Cup will be on June 11, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match.
