FIFA Requires All 26-Man Squads to Gather at Centre Circle for National Anthems at World Cup 2026

FIFA.com · 1d ago

FIFA has introduced a new matchday protocol for the 2026 World Cup mandating that every member of a team's matchday squad — not just the starting eleven — assembles at the centre circle during the national anthem before kick-off. The governing body described the rule as a way to give every player, whether starting or on the bench, the full emotional experience of representing their nation on football's biggest stage. The protocol takes effect from the group phase through to the final in New Jersey.