All 26 Players to Participate in National Anthem Ceremony at World Cup for the First Time
News Summary
Editorial review completed.
- FIFA has introduced a new rule for the 2026 World Cup requiring all 26 players in a team to be present on the field during the national anthem before the match.
- Under the new arrangement, players and match officials will stand facing each other around the center circle instead of facing the spectators.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated this change will create a special moment for both players and fans.
May 5, Kathmandu — FIFA has made a significant change to the formal pre-match proceedings for the 2026 World Cup. From now on, all 26 players on each team will be present on the field during the playing of the national anthem.
Previously, only the starting 11 players stood on the field during the anthem, while the substitutes and officials remained seated near the technical area on the bench. However, beginning with the tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, all squad members will be on the field during the anthem.
According to the new protocol, all players will gather around the center circle before the match, with substitutes joining the starting lineup for the national anthem ceremony.
FIFA has also changed the players’ positioning during this moment. Instead of facing the spectators, players and match officials will now face one another around the center circle. FIFA believes this will foster greater unity, emotion, and a distinctive atmosphere prior to kickoff.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described this change as part of efforts to enrich the experience of both players and supporters.
He said, “As the World Cup expands, we are introducing new dimensions to how the competition is experienced. Having all players and referees face each other around the center circle during the national anthem will create special moments of unity, pride, and emotion.”
According to Infantino, since the World Cup belongs to every player and fan, the new ceremony will more accurately reflect that shared spirit.
