World Cup 2026: Music ‘transformed into fan-centric event’

FIFA has unveiled what it describes as a new “unique, immersive experience” pre-match program for all matches at the 2026 World Cup.

All available players in a team’s squad will gather around the center circle for the national anthem, with extra-large country flag banners on the pitch behind them.

In previous World Cups, the starting XI would line up in a line facing a stand with the mascot in front of them.

FIFA is keen to find a new way to introduce players that involves the whole stadium.

For the 2025 Club World Cup, every starting player There was a separate walk-on role. This proved unpopular as it added extra time to the pre-match formalities and several games started late.

Now soccer’s world governing body says it will create a “360-degree show” that will provide “experiences from every seat”.

Each player selected in the matchday squad will join the mascot and enter the pitch through a dedicated arch.

All players from both full squads, up to 52 if all are available for the match, will then assemble in the center circle for the line-up and national anthem.

“As the FIFA World Cup continues to grow, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“All the players and referees facing each other in the center circle during the national anthem will create a moment of unity, pride and emotion that is truly for the team and everyone.

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

After the tournament, the ceremony will be enhanced to include colored smoke or magic.