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For the first time in World Cup history, every player on a nation's matchday roster will step onto the field and sing the national anthem before kickoff, as FIFA has overhauled the traditional pre-match ceremony for the tournament's inaugural 48-team edition this summer.
Previously, both teams' starting elevens would line up in single file alongside the referees, before the away side walked past the home team for a pre-match handshake. Both captains would also swap pennants and take part in the coin toss to determine which side kicks off.
For the 2026 World Cup, however, FIFA has unveiled a new "fan-centric" pre-match ceremony that will bring every squad member, including substitutes, together around the center circle, facing one another during each team's national anthem.
Captains will still take part in the coin flip and pennant exchange, and a team handshake will also remain. The adjustment, however, is designed to ensure every player has the chance to participate in the patriotic moment on the pitch during their national anthem, while giving every fan an equal view of the occasion—rather than looking at the players' backs as was previously the case.
"Having all players and referees face each other in the center 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," FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated in a press release.
Beyond the players' positioning around the circle, enormous national flags spanning nearly half the pitch will deliver a breathtaking visual. Meanwhile, fireworks and other display elements within the revamped pre-match ceremony will be visible to both stadium attendees and television viewers.
The decision represents a departure from last year's 2025 Club World Cup, where players were introduced individually in an NBA-style format, which drew widespread criticism from the global soccer community.
Different From Other U.S. Sports Events
For American sports fans less acquainted with soccer, the World Cup pre-match anthem experience will feel notably different from what they're used to in domestic sports.
Unlike most U.S. sporting events, three anthems will be performed: beginning with the FIFA Anthem as players walk out, followed by the anthems of both competing nations. There will also be no live anthem performers. Instead, FIFA will use an officially approved recording for each nation's anthem, with fans and players free to sing along.
Italy, despite being absent from this year's competition, is renowned for its passionate anthem singing. Meanwhile, Canada's Maxime Crépeau was moved to tears listening to his country's anthem earlier this week during his team's final pre-tournament send-off match. U.S. players are among the few who place their hands over their hearts, while their singing tends to be less fervent than in many other nations.
Different For Opening Games
While all 104 matches at the biggest World Cup ever staged will feature the new fan-centric anthem format, additional pre-match ceremonies are planned for the three co-hosts' opening fixtures and the final.
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca will host the tournament's opening match on Friday between Mexico and South Africa, featuring a pre-game concert headlined by the iconic Shakira, alongside Burna Boy, Latin rock band Maná, Colombian artist J Balvin, and South African pop sensation Tyla.
The following day, Canada will begin their World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, preceded by performances from Canadian artists Michael Bublé, Alessia Cara, and Alanis Morissette, among others.
The USMNT will be the last host nation to open their tournament campaign when they face Paraguay, following performances by Katy Perry, LISA, Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, Brazilian pop artist Anitta, and hip-hop artist Future.