Why all squad players will join World Cup pre-match anthems

FIFA has announced a change that will see every squad member take part in the pre-match national anthems at the World Cup. Both starting line-ups and substitutes will congregate together on the pitch ahead of kick-off. Historically only the starting eleven lined up on the playing surface facing the stadium dugouts; under the new template all starting players and substitutes will assemble around the centre circle as the cornerstone of a new ceremonial initiative designed to change how international fixtures are experienced.

The institutional hierarchy defended the adjustment as a modernising step that emphasises collective participation. Outlining the visual philosophy on Instagram, FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted: “As the FIFA World Cup grows, we continue to innovate the way the game is experienced.

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