Key facts
- Fifa is changing the pre-match ceremony format for the 2026 World Cup.
- The new format will include non-starting players during the national anthem segment.
- This change is described as 'fan-centric'.
Fifa has announced a change to the pre-match ceremony for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The governing body is altering the format to be more 'fan-centric,' specifically by including players who are not in the starting lineup during the national anthem segment. This adjustment aims to enhance the overall viewer experience during the tournament. Commentator Andrés Cantor believes the 2026 World Cup will be a significant event in America, surpassing the impact of the 1994 World Cup due to fan engagement, social media influence, and a new generation of soccer enthusiasts.