Football fans are still getting used to the new pre-match ceremony before every 2026 World Cup fixture.

FIFA confirmed days before this summer’s tournament began that a new ‘fan-centric’ ceremony had been designed “to deepen the connection between players and fans while elevating a moment already rich with anticipation.”

The new ceremony sees giant flags of the two featured national teams unfurled onto the pitch, while each team’s entire 26-man squad stand on each side of the centre circle for the national anthems.

Both squads then shake hands before the flags are packed away and kick-off eventually commences.

Many 2026 World Cup games have kicked off late as a direct result of the new pre-match ceremony. Brazil vs Morocco was delayed by four minutes and 27 seconds; Haiti vs Scotland kicked off two minutes and 42 seconds late, while the opening fixture between Mexico and South Africa kicked off at 8:06pm BST instead of 8pm.

Why Saudi Arabia’s Flag is Held Up

Paul Childs via Reuters

Eagle-eyed fans noticed how Saudi Arabia’s flag was lifted off the ground before their opening World Cup fixture against Uruguay on Monday night.

According to broadcaster Stadium Astro, Saudi Arabia’s flag is the only flag of the 48 competing World Cup nations that is not allowed to touch the ground.

Uruguay’s flag was also lifted off the ground to provide balance during the ceremony.

Strict prohibitions are in place regarding the use of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s flag.

It is forbidden to display a Saudi Arabia flag that is “faded in colour or in poor condition”, according to a Gulf News article from 2024.

Flags that are old or unfit for display must be destroyed by the person or people responsible, ensuring they are never reused or disrespected.

The same article says it is ‘strictly forbidden’ to lower the Kingdom’s national flag or the flag of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ‘in a manner that would allow them to touch the ground, water, or any surface below’.

While the national flags of other 2026 World Cup nations have been spread across the floor, Saudi Arabia’s flag will be held above ground-level every time they compete.

Saudi Arabia drew 1-1 with Uruguay in their opening Group H fixture. Al Nassr’s Abdulelah Al-Amri gave Saudi the lead shortly before half-time, but Georgios Donis’ side were denied two precious points when Maxi Araujo equalised late on.

Saudi Arabia face pre-tournament favourites Spain in their next match on June 21 before going head-to-head with Cape Verde, who held La Roja to an unexpected goalless draw on Monday, five days later.

A new name has emerged as a potential midfielder target for Manchester United this summer and it may come as something of a surprise to supporters.

United are in the market for two new central midfield signings this summer, with Ederson the first man through the door in a £38million move from Atalanta, although it is yet to be confirmed. And the Red Devils have been linked with lots of other names when it comes to their second signing.

Mateus Fernandes is the one most heavily tipped to make the move, although with West Ham still demanding £80million despite their relegation to the Championship, United may be put off.

Premier League experience could be key for Manchester United

Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni and Sandro Tonali are also still in the mix, but United could make a move to sign Sander Berge from Fulham instead.

The 28-year-old would certainly be a cheaper option than the names mentioned above, but is that what United are after?

Berge was almost an ever-present for the Whites last season, starting 34 of the club’s 38 Premier League matches and was called up to Norway’s squad for the 2026 World Cup as a result, with their first game taking place against Iraq on Tuesday night. He has a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt and could actually be a shrewd signing.

According to the Athletic, United are “running the rule” and could make a move, with Fulham likely to “want to make a profit on the £25million they paid two years ago”.

United have actually been linked with Berge in the past. The Red Devils considered making a move in 2024 when the midfielder left Burnley to sign for Fulham and there were rumours of him coming straight to Old Trafford in the Premier League at the age of 20 in the January transfer window of 2020.

Vincent Kompany is a big fan of the Fulham star

A mystery player arrived at the club’s Carrington training ground, with rumours circulating that it was the Genk star. Berge was falsely claimed to be undergoing a medical ahead of a £20million move to help bolster United’s midfield options, but it was not the case.

Berge would actually sign for Sheffield United, spending three-and-a-half years at Bramall Lane before moving on to Burnley and then latterly Fulham.

The 28-year-old has a contract at Craven Cottage until 2029, with Fulham holding a one-year option to extend that to 20230 too, meaning they hold all the cards when it comes to negotiations over a transfer fee for the Norwegian.

Both Arsenal assistant manager Albert Stuivenberg – who was Berge’s coach at Genk – and former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany described Berge as an “intelligent” footballer and he would certainly fulfil one role in the United team, being firmly a No.6.

New audio from Ilia Topuria has surfaced after his defeat at the hands of Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday night.

The showpiece event on the White House’s South Lawn to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday saw stoppages in all seven bouts, but none more brutal or bloody than the stoppage of the previously-dominant Georgian-Spanish champion.

The champion and challenger traded blows in the first rounds, with the Matador looking well-placed in the fight. However, in the third round, American Gaethje pulled ahead, landing heavy shots that bloodied up the face of Topuria and leaving significant swelling around both eyes.

When he entered the corner after the third, discussions about his ability to see were picked up by the broadcast, which eventually resulted in the doctor being called in to assess Topuria’s ability to proceed.

After tests, the doctor could be audibly heard saying that Topuria shouldn’t continue, but he was overruled by referee Marc Goddard and the fight continued.

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

At the end of the fourth, however, it has since emerged that cage-side microphones heard Topuria saying to his brother in Spanish “no mas”, meaning that’s enough, and to call the fight. His brother informed referee Goddard, who then waved it off.

Topuria was then helped to leave the Octagon straight after the fight without giving an interview to commentator Joe Rogan.

Ilia Topuria’s Medical Update After UFC Freedom 250

At the post-fight press conference, Dana White said that Topuria had been taken directly to hospital for treatment, adding that he suspected the fighter had suffered a broken orbital bone. However, new reports surfaced overnight revealing he suffered no broken bones and no serious injuries.

“Ilia’s in the hospital. He’s busted up. I’m not a doctor, but his eye looked like he probably has a broken orbital. I don’t know that. That’s not a fact. I’m just assuming,” White said.

Amber Searls via Imagn Images

Elsewhere on the card, fan-favourite and face of the UFC Alex “Poatan” Pereira was knocked out by France’s Ciryl Gane in the second round of the co-main event for the interim heavyweight title.

The Brazilian came up short in his bid to become the first three-division champion and, therefore, putting any superfight with England’s Tom Aspinall on hold for the time being.