Adedokun Waliyu 
FIFA has announced a new pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will involve every player named in a matchday squad, rather than only the starting eleven.
Traditionally, only the starting players from both teams line up at the centre of the pitch before kickoff. Under the new arrangement, all selected players 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 pitch during the ceremony as part of the enhanced presentation.
According to FIFA, the change is intended to ensure that every squad member shares in the experience of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative is designed to promote unity and emotion before matches. He explained that bringing all players and referees together during the national anthems would create a moment of unity, pride, and emotion.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament will also make history as the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. This expansion is expected to increase participation and provide more countries with the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.
