FIFA has modified its tournament protocol less than a week before the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The governing body now mandates that the full 26-player squad must stand on the pitch during the pre-match national anthems, rather than just the starting lineup.
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The decision expands the traditional presentation to include all substitutes alongside the starting players and match officials.
A Moment of Unity and Pride
"As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced," said Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA.
The administrative change aims to shift the visual presentation and atmosphere immediately preceding kickoff for all tournament fixtures.
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"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 international tournament expanded its overall format, prompting adaptations to administrative and ceremonial operations ahead of the opening games.
"The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that," Infantino stated.
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Germany is scheduled to play its opening match of the tournament against Curaçao on June 14.
