FIFA have announced an unexpected change to the pre-match ceremony that will impact every game at the 2026 World Cup.
This summer’s showpiece tournament gets underway on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Joint-hosts Mexico will face South Africa in a repeat of the fixture that kickstarted the 2010 World Cup finals.
Both sets of players walk out of the tunnel behind the match officials, hand in hand with mascots, before standing in line as the two national anthems are played. That’s been the pre-match routine in recent World Cups and top-level matches for years now.
However, with less than a week to go before the 2026 World Cup gets underway, FIFA have announced a huge change to proceedings.
Pre-Match Ceremony For 2026 World Cup Matches Announced
A new ‘360-degree’ ceremony has been confirmed, with the intention of ‘engaging every fan in the stadium’. Two huge curve country flag banners will be displayed at opposite ends of the pitch, while the two sets of players (plus the substitutes) will congregate around the centre circle for the national anthems.
In a statement, FIFA announced: “FIFA has unveiled a bold new vision for pre-match ceremonies at the FIFA World Cup 2026, designed to deepen the connection between players and fans while elevating a moment already rich with anticipation.
“Developed with fans and teams at its heart and guided by tracks from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, the new pre-match ceremony introduces an immersive, 360-degree concept that transforms the stadium into a shared stage. No matter where supporters are seated, each will have a distinct and engaging perspective, with extra-large country flag banners and on-pitch elements carefully positioned to involve the crowd in an authentic and meaningful way.
“Accompanied by youth programme escorts, players will enter the pitch from the side closest to their tunnel through a dedicated arch. The pre-match ceremony will feature a range of additional visual elements, including a central banner in the centre circle, handheld country flags and iconic FIFA branding across the pitch.
“Every player selected in the matchday squad will step into the spotlight to gather around the centre circle banner for the national anthems, ensuring that every individual – not just the starting XI – experiences that symbolic moment of pride and emotion when representing their country on football’s greatest stage.”
Once the national anthems have been completed, the two sets of players will then shake hands and pose for team photos of the starting line-ups. The captains will proceed to the coin toss before the match eventually kicks off.
FIFA also confirmed: “Later in the tournament, the pre-match ceremony will incorporate additional elements such as coloured smoke or pyrotechnics. Furthermore, the youth programme and players’ tunnel will feature both traditional and new integrations of FIFA’s Commercial Partners, thanks to the involvement of adidas, Coca-Cola, Kia, Mengniu, Qatar Airways and Quaker.”
FIFA experimented with introducing every player individually at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but that process ended up delaying the kick-off of various matches. Instead, FIFA have found another way to change the pre-match ceremony process. It’s currently unclear whether this will be a permanent or temporary change.
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Gianni Infantino Releases Separate Statement
In a separate statement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced. The pre-match ceremonies at the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be no different.
“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.
“In addition, we will have a redesigned 360-degree ceremony which engages every fan in the stadium, including country flag banners and on-pitch elements oriented to create a unique, immersive experience from every seat as well as new visual elements – from player entry arches to handheld flags – poised to heighten the sense of anticipation, with enhanced features for selected matches.
“The FIFA World Cup is about every player and every fan, and this new pre-match ceremony reflects that.”
It’s fair to say the reaction from fans on social media hasn’t been particularly positive. Indeed, Infantino’s Instagram post has the comments turned off.
Celtic are set to accelerate their quest for another goalkeeper this summer as the transfer window edges towards a close.
The Hoops are reported to be exploring a move for Southampton shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu this week, with a £4 million deal also said to have been agreed with a different Championship target.
Martin O’Neill is in the market for competition to push current first choice Viljami Sinisalo, who is without a serious rival for his place following the departure of Kasper Schmeichel this summer.
The Finland international has done a respectable job since replacing Schmeichel between the sticks at the end of last season and the rise of the 24-year-old has led to speculation that Celtic could calm their search for another experienced goalkeeper.
Celtic ‘explore’ move for Southampton goalkeeper
However, that does not seem to be the case, with several goalkeeping targets emerging this week. In a latest roundup of transfer ongoings at Southampton, the Daily Echo claims that Celtic are ‘exploring’ a move for Bazunu, who is expected to leave St Mary’s Stadium. Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb are also linked and could provide competition for the Glasgow giants.
Bazunu was first choice for Southampton over the first half of the 2025/26 campaign but lost his place to Daniel Peretz in January. Bazunu was then sent on loan to Stoke City, but managed just six appearances due to a persistent thigh injury.
The 6ft 2in Republic of Ireland international is still just 24 years old, with his best years as a goalkeeper ahead of him. Bazunu has not yet featured in a matchday squad for Southampton this season, Tonda Eckert persisting with Peretz and back-up George Long.
Celtic have also been credited with serious interest in Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth. Similarly to Bazunu, the Rovers man’s departure from his club appears inevitable before the close of the window.
The Hungary international is in the final 12 months of his contract and Tony Mowbray has opened the door for him to join a ‘Champions League club’, amid links with Celtic. Reports from Hungary this week have claimed that the Hoops have agreed a £4 million fee with Blackburn Rovers for the deal.
Either arrival will have to oust Sinisalo from the starting XI, but that is a competition that O’Neill will relish. Speaking about the goalkeeper’s rise to first team star in March, the Celtic boss said: “I have been pleasantly surprised. It’s nice to see him try to take this chance in difficult circumstances for a goalkeeper regardless of what happens, with the shadow of what’s going on in the background.
“He’s been wanting to do well and he’s been thrown into some big games. Apparently he did well at Ibrox last season too.
“I’ve been really pleased with him, really pleased. That [being No 1 next season] may be a decision for someone else to make, but I’m really delighted with him.”
Sinisalo has started all three of Celtic’s fixtures so far this season, conceding just one goal and managing two clean sheets.
Transfer Verdict: Gavin Bazunu v BalazsToth
Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
If Celtic are to add another goalkeeper to the squad before the end of the transfer window, it appears that their shopping will be taken to the Championship. Both Bazunu and Toth offer O’Neill very similar profiles.
At 24 years old, Bazunu would offer the Hoops a younger option compared to 28-year-old Toth. Both have similar levels of playing experience, although the latter’s 111 appearances in Hungary come at a lower level than the Southampton man, who has tasted the Premier League.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Both deals look easy to pull off for Celtic. Bazunu is surplus to requirements at St Mary’s Stadium and Mowbray appears ready to drive Toth to a new destination himself.
The verdict? If both offer ultimately the same product, Celtic must opt for the younger of the two in Bazunu, who has the potential to cement himself in the starting XI for seasons to come.
Inter Milan have reached an agreement to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones for €35million (£30million), according to Fabrizio Romano.
Jones spent last season on the periphery of Arne Slot’s squad at Anfield, starting just 18 Premier League games for the Dutch manager. This has prompted the player and his representatives to explore potential moves, and Inter have subsequently emerged as the team to pry him away from his boyhood club.
A verbal agreement has been reached between the two clubs, although a consensus on personal terms is yet to be reached.
However, the deal is expected to materialise, with a medical for the player being planned.
Jones will leave Liverpool having made 228 appearances for the Merseysiders, winning two Premier League titles in the process.
It’s set to be a busy end to the transfer window at Anfield. The Reds have already recruited Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz but Andoni Iraola is yet to add an experienced forward to his front line following the departure of Mohamed Salah.
All signs point towards that being Paris Saint-Germain star Barcola, who has refused to sign a new deal at the Parc des Princes and subsequently been left out of the matchday squad by Luis Enrique. The Frenchman’s arrival at Liverpool could trigger the sale of Gakpo.
Tottenham Hotspur prepare £70m Liverpool bid
Dutch journalist Joost Blaauwhof has provided the latest on Gakpo’s future when speaking to The Redmen TV. The reporter claims that discussions about the player are already underway behind the scenes between Liverpool and Tottenham.
The things that I’ve heard around the player and Tottenham Hotspur is that he’s open to the move. Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so he’s not desperate to leave, but when they come over and make him a star player and all the things are set up… I think it could be a very quick transfer.
“Spurs have already announced to Liverpool that they are coming in with a bid when Barcola or another striker is coming in [to Anfield].
“They already know what Liverpool are demanding, around £70million. With Barcola already coming in – and Barcola is not coming for the bench, he’s coming to play on the left wing.”
Gakpo made 52 appearances across all competitions last season under Arne Slot, and managed just nine goals and six assists across those outings. Those 15 goal contributions were a fall from the 25 the winger hit over the 2024/25 campaign.
Cody Gakpo goal contributions at Liverpool:
Goals
Assists
Goal Contributions
2022/23
7
3
10
2023/24
16
7
23
2024/25
18
7
25
2025/26
9
6
15
The £250,000-a-week forward enjoyed an impressive World Cup with three goals and an assist for the Netherlands, but faces serious competition on the left flank should Barcola arrive at Liverpool. Iraola also has rising star Munoz competing for a place, following his £34.5 million move from Osasuna.
Those arrivals are believed to have led to Gakpo believing his long-term future is not at Liverpool and, while he will not press the club for an exit this summer, the chance to be a starting XI shoo-in under Roberto De Zerbi is a tempting prospect.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
It would be another marquee addition for Tottenham, who have already spent considerably over £200 million on Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer.
Spurs spent significant sums on Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel last summer but the trio of forwards failed to impress as the North London side flirted with relegation under Thomas Frank.
Gakpo only signed a new deal with Liverpool last year and is under contract at Anfield until 2030. The Reds paid around £40 million to sign the player from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
