FIFA has revealed an ambitious new pre-match ceremony designed to transform the atmosphere at every game of the 2026 World Cup, replacing the traditional lineup formation with a 360-degree, stadium-wide spectacle.

Rather than the familiar sight of starting elevens standing in a single line facing one stand, all squad members called up for the matchday — potentially as many as 52 players combined from both sides — will gather at the centre circle for the national anthems. Oversized national flag banners will be displayed on the pitch behind them.

A ceremony for every seat

FIFA describes the concept as a "360-degree ceremony" designed to deliver an "experience from every seat" in the stadium. Each matchday squad player will enter the field through a dedicated arch alongside mascots, ensuring the arrival itself becomes part of the show.

The governing body was motivated to overhaul the ceremony after its previous attempt at innovation drew criticism. At the 2025 Club World Cup, individual player walk-on introductions were trialled but proved unpopular, with several matches kicking off late as a result of the added time required.

Pyrotechnics and smoke to follow

As the tournament progresses into its later rounds, FIFA plans to escalate the spectacle further, incorporating coloured smoke and pyrotechnics into the ceremony.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino framed the changes as part of the organisation's broader mission to evolve the World Cup experience. "As the Fifa World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced," Infantino said.

"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."

Infantino added: "The Fifa World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that."

For African nations competing in the 2026 World Cup, the new format offers an especially charged moment — with entire squads standing together on the world's biggest stage as their national anthems ring out across packed stadiums.