Zurich, Switzerland – In an unprecedented move aimed at fostering unity and inclusivity at the world’s biggest football event, FIFA has announced a new and exciting system for players’ entrance onto the pitch before matches. This will be implemented starting with the 2026 World Cup finals, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19.
A comprehensive experience for everyone
FIFA revealed details of this initiative on its official website, confirming that each participating team’s full squad of 26 players will enter the pitch together before the start of the match. Furthermore, under the new system, all players from both teams will gather at the center circle during the playing of their respective national anthems. This replaces the historical practice of only starting players entering the pitch together.
This move is intended to ensure that every player on the roster—not just the starting eleven—experiences that symbolic moment, filled with pride and national pride. This is happening while they are representing their country on the greatest football stage in the world.
FIFA’s new philosophy
In this context, FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented: “With the World Cup constantly evolving, we continue to innovate in ways that allow everyone to experience the game.”
He added: “The World Cup is about every player and every fan, and these new pre-match ceremonies perfectly reflect that philosophy. Having all the players and referees stand facing each other inside the center circle while the national anthems are played will create a unique moment of unity, pride, and genuine emotion that truly represents the teams and everyone present at the stadium.”
Details of the supplementary rituals
FIFA’s website noted that these ceremonies will not replace long-standing football traditions, but rather pave the way for them. Once the national anthems are played, attention will immediately turn to the usual rituals. These include the exchange of formal handshakes, the taking of commemorative photos of the starting lineups, and the captains of both teams conducting a coin toss to determine the sides of the field and the start of the match.
As the tournament progresses and the competition intensifies, the opening ceremony is expected to feature new visual elements, such as colored smoke or pyrotechnic effects. In addition, innovative modifications will be introduced to the youth program and the players’ tunnel, in collaboration with the FIBA’s commercial partners. This will add a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere befitting the world’s biggest sporting event.
