The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to commence on June 11 as co-hosts Mexico, the United States, and Canada welcome a record 48 teams for the tournament's first-ever three-nation edition.
Spanning 16 host cities and running until the July 19 final in New York New Jersey, the expanded competition promises spectacle both on and off the pitch. Mexico will play the first match of the tournament as they take on South Africa in the opening encounter.
FIFA announces New Pre-Game Ceremony
FIFA has announced a new pre-game ceremony that will see all players included in a matchday squad line up around the centre circle before the national anthems are played.
The ceremony will also include extra-large country flag banners and the players will enter the pitch through a dedicated arch closest to the tunnel.
FIFA's new approach to the pre-match ceremony means that even the substitutes will be lining up on the pitch before the game begins.
This follows on from last year's Club World Cup, also hosted in the U.S., where FIFA adopted an NBA-style walkout, with the player's name being read out as they emerged from the tunnel.
Although the players will not have their names read out individually at this summer's finals, the plan is for them to be escorted onto the pitch by children. FIFA says the idea behind the new walkout ceremony is for everyone inside the stadium to have a 360-degree view of events.
Once the national anthems have been played, the traditional pre-match rituals will commence, including handshakes and team photos of the starting line-up. The captains of each side will then proceed to the coin toss.
FIFA makes Announcement
FIFA has also announced that as the World Cup progresses, the pre-match ceremony will introduce new elements such as coloured smoke and pyrotechnics.
"As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced, Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, said in a statement.
"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.
"The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that.
The changes aim to heighten inclusivity and drama for the expanded squad format, building excitement ahead of Mexico's opening clash against South Africa at Estadio Azteca.
