MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 10: FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to the media during the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening press conference at Mexico City Stadium on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Karl Lesseen/Getty Images)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero was behind the idea to change World Cup byes to include all 26 players in the team instead of just the starting 11.
How Del Piero convinced Infantino to replace him after losing the World Cup
The 2026 World Cup in North America brought a number of changes to the competition rules, some of which were well-received and some not so well-received.
One change that worked pretty well overall was the decision to have all 26 members of the team take to the field and participate in the national anthem before games, rather than just the starting 11.
This is a change that will allow all members of the team, especially those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, to feel part of the team and “have their moments.”
Infantino revealed in a recent press conference that the change in procedure was originally suggested by former Juventus and Italy star Del Piero.
“For the first time, all the players, 26 players in total, will be on the pitch. There will be a huge flag and the whole team will be on the pitch for the national anthem,” Infantino began.
“Where did that come from? You know, we always wanted to do something new and we thought it had to be an American thing, a business thing, a Showtime thing. No. This came out of a conversation with Alessandro Del Piero.
“A few months ago, Alessandro Del Piero said to me, “Why don’t we start bringing all the players out onto the field during the national anthem?” I said, “Why?” “Because we’re all on the same team.”
Infantino continued: “I don’t know if it’s because of the goal he scored. I don’t know if it’s because of one of the most beautiful goals of the World Cup, the goal that Italy won 2-0 against Germany in Dortmund in the 2006 World Cup. He came off the bench and scored this unbelievable goal. I don’t know if that’s why he said it, but he said we’re all part of the same team.”
“I thought he was right, so we all started talking about it. We may not all be able to play during the World Cup, so it’s important for the players to feel this very emotional moment of the national anthem. I think this is a positive thing for all the players and for the supporters as well.”
post navigation
