The first match of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico – South Africaalso came with a major change made by FIFA at the time of the anthem.
- Sergiu Alexandru and Ionuț Iordache (photo) are at the World Championship and will sign special correspondence for Gazeta Sporturilor during the final tournament in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
For the first time, not only the starters stood on the field during the singing of the anthem, but the entire team. The reserve players enjoyed the moment.
And the footballers no longer stood in a straight line, as was traditionally the case, but gathered around a banner placed in the center of the midfield circle.
PHOTO GALLERY. “Ceremony 360 degrees” in Mexico – South Africa
FIFA named the project “360 degree ceremony”wanting to offer a special experience to every fan present at the stadium.
“As the World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is played. Having all the players and referees face to face in the center of the pitch during the anthems will create a moment of unity, pride and excitement that belongs to both the teams and everyone in the stadium,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Where did the idea come from?
The day before the first match, at the press conference attended by Gazeta Sporturilor, Gianni Infantino explained that he proposed the change after a discussion with the former great Italian footballer, Alessandro Del Piero.
“For the first time, all 26 players will be on the field and we will hear the national anthem. The whole team will be on the field. Where did the idea come from? After a discussion I had with Del Piero. A few months ago he said to me: «Why don't you think about putting all the players on the field for the national anthem? Everyone is part of the team”. That's what he told me.
And he was right. We all started talking about it and I thought it was interesting. I talked to football people, players and coaches. They all said it was a good idea.
In today's football there are 11 players on the field, 5 or 6 come from the bench, and at a World Cup they can all play. And we want them to feel part of this emotional moment, the singing of the anthem. We'll see how it works,” Infantino said.
