An entirely new vision for the pre-match ceremony at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been revealed by FIFA, with the new concept promising players and fans across North America a more moving experience.
The traditional preamble to the kick-off in any football fixture was on Thursday officially shown in a spectacular fashion, with concept drawings released by FIFA depicting a new look and feel to what is done before the beginning of any of the scheduled matches throughout the 2026 World Cup.
Most notable in the drawings released were huge flags belonging to both countries involved in the fixture, laid flat upon areas of the pitch. This would surround a banner with the words FIFA World Cup 2026 in the middle of the centre circle.
The drawings also featured spectacular and large amounts of pyrotechnics around the stadium in the colours of the nation competing. The teams would also be led onto the field through an individually branded arch, placed in front of their team tunnels and followed by youngsters representing future talents from each nation involved.
Every single player selected for that matchday would now be taking part in the pre-match ceremony as opposed to the standard format where just the starting XI participates.
The players on the bench will be around the circle banner with all others while the national anthems are played, foregoing what they typically get during these events, which consists of standing at the halfway line with just their teammates.
