New fan-centric national anthem to debut at all FIFA World Cup games
The national anthems at the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Toronto and Vancouver are going to look different from what a lot of traditional soccer fans are used to seeing.
FIFA has unveiled a new pre-match ceremony for all 104 tournament matches, introducing what the organization calls a more fan-centric and immersive experience.
Gone are the days of the traditional lineup, where both teams’ starting XI stand shoulder-to-shoulder on their respective side of the pitch.
Instead, every player in the squad, including substitutes, will gather around the centre circle, facing one another during each of the national anthems.
A rendering of FIFA’s new unified pre-match ceremony that’ll take place during the national anthems. (FIFA)
The visual seems very Kumbaya, and FIFA stresses that this innovative pre-match format will bring more unity to the national anthems. For many of us, the centre circle huddle is giving a gym-class game of parachute.
FIFA says this new format will be a symbolic moment of pride and emotion that players can share as they represent their country on the game’s premier stage.
“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 in the stadium,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a press release.
According to the organization, the goal is to ensure every fan has a unique view of the festivities, regardless of where they are seated. Massive country flags, spanning nearly 40 metres, and other field-level elements will be positioned to create a more immersive experience both in person and on television.
Once the national anthems are finished, the more familiar pre-match traditions will follow, including handshakes and team photos of the starting lineup, and of course, the captain’s coin toss.
Canadian soccer fans won’t have to wait very long to see it, as the men’s national team will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on the second day of action (June 12) against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Canada will host 10 group-stage matches between Toronto and Vancouver, and three knockout-stage games, two in Vancouver and one in Toronto.