FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced a significant change to the pre-match ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will feature a major transformation in how national anthems are presented during the tournament, following an official statement from FIFA.

This edition will mark the first time in history that 48 teams will compete, divided into 12 groups of four, followed by a round of 32.

A total of 104 matches will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada — setting a new record.

This will also be the first time that three nations jointly host the World Cup.

Several new rules and regulations will be introduced for the tournament, ranging from on-field gameplay adjustments to scheduled cooling breaks due to extreme heat conditions and high temperatures.

However, FIFA has also confirmed a major change regarding how all 104 matches will commence before kickoff.

The national anthems of both teams will continue to be a central part of the pre-match ceremony.

But at the 2026 World Cup, all 26 players from each national squad will stand on the pitch during the playing of their anthem.

Both teams, along with match officials, will take their places around the centre circle as part of a new '360-degree concept' that includes a large national flag banner covering most of the field.

The fifteen non-starting players will be more actively involved rather than simply standing near the benches on the sidelines.

Announcing this new approach, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “As the World Cup continues to grow, we keep innovating in how the game is experienced. The pre-match ceremony will be no exception.”

“By bringing all players and referees together in the centre circle during the national anthems, we create a true moment of unity, pride, and emotion that belongs to the teams and everyone involved.”

“Furthermore, we will have a redesigned 360-degree ceremony that fully engages every fan in the stadium.”

“This includes large national flag banners and on-field visual elements crafted to deliver a unique and immersive experience from every seat.”

“There will also be new visual features — from the players’ entrance archway to handheld flags — designed to heighten anticipation, with enhanced details for specific matches.”

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

After the pre-match ceremony, players will exchange handshakes before the coin toss between the captains to start the game.

Although the FIFA Club World Cup has experienced individual player strikes, that will not be the case this summer.

The final will include a halftime show featuring Shakira and Madonna, along with three separate opening ceremonies.

In Mexico, Shakira and Burna Boy will perform the official World Cup anthem for the opening match against South Africa on 11 June.

Toronto will feature Canadian stars Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles will host performances by Katy Perry and Future on 12 June.