World cup news: FIFA announces new ‘fan-centric’ pre-match ceremony

With just a handful of days left for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, FIFA has announced the introduction of a brand new ceremony. An unexpected change to the traditional pre-match ceremony has been announced, which will take place before every game.

Usually, during the World Cup, both sets of players walk out of the tunnel behind the match officials, with their mascots, before standing in a horizontal line as the two national anthems are played. This has been the pre-match routine in recent World Cups and top-level matches for years now. However, just days before this year’s tournament, FIFA announced a huge change to the proceedings. 

FIFA has confirmed a new 360-degree ceremony designed to connect with every fan present. Two large curved country flag banners will be positioned at each end of the field. Meanwhile, both teams, including their substitutes, will gather around the centre circle for the playing of the national anthem.

“Developed with fans and teams at its heart and guided by tracks from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, the new pre-match ceremony introduces an immersive, 360-degree concept that transforms the stadium into a shared stage. No matter where supporters are seated, each will have a distinct and engaging perspective, with extra-large country flag banners and on-pitch elements carefully positioned to involve the crowd in an authentic and meaningful way,” FIFA’s official statement read.

Fan-centric pre-match ceremony to debut at @FIFAWorldCup 2026

FIFA has unveiled a bold new vision for pre-match ceremonies at the FIFA World Cup 2026 designed to deepen the connection between players and fans while elevating a moment already rich with anticipation:

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 4, 2026

More details on FIFA World Cup’s brand new pre-match ceremony

In an official statement shared by FIFA, more details about the ceremony were unveiled. The new custom has been described as a way to connect more with the fans. “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. The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.

“Later in the tournament, the pre-match ceremony will incorporate additional elements such as coloured smoke or pyrotechnics. Furthermore, the youth programme and players’ tunnel will feature both traditional and new integrations of FIFA’s Commercial Partners, thanks to the involvement of adidas, Coca-Cola, Kia, Mengniu, Qatar Airways, and Quaker,” FIFA also confirmed.

It is now to be seen how the new ceremony is received. Last year at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA experimented by introducing every player separately. However, it ended up delaying the kick-off of various matches.

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