FIFA has revised its pre-match procedures at the 2026 World Cup, introducing changes to the positioning of photographers during the national anthems in a move designed to give coaching staff an unobstructed view of their players.
The governing body’s decision follows concerns raised by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who criticised the existing arrangement after finding his view blocked during a recent World Cup fixture.
Under the updated protocol, photographers will no longer stand in positions that prevent technical staff, including head coaches, from maintaining direct visual contact with their teams during the anthem ceremony. The adjustment is expected to be implemented immediately.
The national anthems are regarded as one of the most significant moments before kick-off, often providing players, coaches and supporters with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of representing their countries on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA’s decision comes after Tuchel expressed frustration over his experience during one such ceremony. The England manager argued that the placement of photographers close to the pitch restricted his ability to see his players during the anthem.
According to information reported by RMC, FIFA responded quickly to the feedback and decided to reorganise the layout used during pre-match formalities.
The revised arrangement will see photographers moved to alternative positions, ensuring that coaching staff can maintain a clear line of sight throughout the anthem.
Tuchel described the situation as disappointing, explaining that the presence of photographers directly in front of him affected what he considered to be an important part of the matchday experience.
Reflecting on the incident, the former Paris Saint-Germain coach said:
“I was facing a wall of 50 photographers less than a meter away, I couldn’t see a single player. It somewhat spoiled my experience.”
His remarks appear to have played a key role in prompting FIFA’s review of the protocol.
The change is intended to strike a balance between preserving media access and protecting the symbolic significance of the anthem ceremony. Photographers will continue to be able to perform their duties, but under a configuration designed to avoid obstructing coaches and other members of the technical staff.
The anthem moment has long been viewed as an emotional highlight before major international matches, particularly at the World Cup, where players and coaches often speak about the pride associated with representing their nations.
By modifying the positioning of photographers, FIFA hopes to ensure that coaching staff can fully participate in and experience the occasion without visual barriers.
The adjustment also underlines FIFA’s willingness to respond to concerns raised by participants during the tournament. Following Tuchel’s criticism, the governing body acted to amend a procedure that had become a source of frustration for at least one national team manager.
With the revised arrangement set to take effect in the coming hours, coaches at the World Cup will now be able to watch their players directly during the national anthems, restoring what FIFA regards as a key element of the pre-match ritual while continuing to accommodate the needs of the media.
