Tribal Football

FIFA announce major changes to World Cup games in "unique, immersive experience"

FIFA announce major changes to World Cup games in "unique, immersive experience"
FIFA announce major changes to World Cup games in "unique, immersive experience"REUTERS

FIFA have revealed their plans for the pre-match ceremonies for all matches at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA already announced Colombian pop star Shakira will perform her official song for the 2026 World Cup at the competition's opening ceremony in Mexico earlier this month. 

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Fellow artists Coldplay, Madonna and BTS will also perform at half-time during the World Cup final in what are just some of the major changes FIFA felt were appropriate for this year’s tournament. 

Now, as per the BBC, Fifa has been eager to find a new way of introducing the players which involves the whole stadium in what is a unique change that has already caused controversy online. 

One alteration is that every player selected in the match day squad, not just the starting line-up, will now be involved in the national anthem ceremony, gathering around the centre circle banner. 

The ceremony will also include extra-large country flag banners that will cover almost half the pitch in what will be a "360-degree ceremony" which provides an "experience from every seat". 

The BBC also report the ceremony will be enhanced to include coloured smoke or pyrotechnics as the tournament goes on. 

Fifa president Gianni Infantino spoke on the changes and hopes that it will be an improved way of beginning each game. 

"As the Fifa World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced. 

"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.  

"The Fifa World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that." 

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