There has been a last-minute change to how teams sing their national anthems the 2026 World Cup. FIFA, the organization that runs the World Cup, announced the change last week. It said that the first time World Cup history, all the players in the squads will come the pitch to sing their anthem. FIFA president Gianni Infantino commented the change to the national anthem ceremony. He said: "As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced. The pre-match ceremonies... will be no different." He added: "The FIFA World Cup is about player and every fan and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that."
FIFA said more players will have a role adding to the pre-match atmosphere. the new ceremony, all squad members will stand the centre circle and sing their national anthem. Mr Infantino said: "Having all players and referees face each other the centre circle during the national anthems will create a moment unity, pride, and emotion that truly belongs to the teams and to everyone the stadium." Other parts the pre-game ceremony remain unchanged. Team captains will still participate the coin toss and exchange pennants with the opposing captain. Another tradition kept the 2026 tournament is players each team shaking hands with players the other team.
