Why each team’s entire squad will sing national anthems at World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

The World Cup will feature a ‘fan-centric’ national anthem ceremony before the kick-off of every match.

Every player selected in the matchday squad will now be involved, not just the starting line-ups, allowing them to step into the spotlight and group together around the centre circle banner before the national anthems.

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The new pre-match ceremony at the Fifa World Cup 2026 (Fifa)

Fifa believes it will maximise the pride and emotion for those representing their country on football’s biggest stage.

President Gianni Infantino stated: “As the Fifa World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced. The pre-match ceremonies at the Fifa World Cup 2026 will be no different.

“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.

“In addition, we will have a redesigned 360-degree ceremony which engages every fan in the stadium, including country flag banners and on-pitch elements oriented to create a unique, immersive experience from every seat as well as new visual elements – from player entry arches to handheld flags – poised to heighten the sense of anticipation, with enhanced features for selected matches.

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The new-look Fifa World Cup 2026 pre-match ceremony (Fifa)

“The Fifa World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that.”

The "360-degree concept" is also geared towards bringing more value to every seat in the stadium, Fifa claims.

While each country will be represented by extra-large country flag banners that will cover almost half the pitch, similar to the way NFL matches have operated in recent years with the US flag.

The traditional pre-match rituals will follow the anthems, with handshakes and team photos of the starting line-ups retained. Following this, captains will meet for the coin toss.