Football World Cup Traditions
For a sporting event that has been held for nearly 100 years, it is not surprising that there are many traditions that are followed. There are some traditions that are unique to the World Cup, while other aspects of the tournament are football traditions that make their appearance on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup every four years. Here are a few of them.
USA soccer team saluting their flag before a game- Mascots: Traditionally, mascot designs at the FIFA World Cup often represent a characteristic feature or animal of the host country. The first mascot was in 1966. See more about the World Cup Mascots.
- Ball Design: in recent years a special ball has been designed for the World Cup. See more details about the ball designs.
- The first ball: The first ball kicked at a World Cup has traditionally been a significant event. The first ball has been kicked by the hosts in 2018, 2014, 2010 and 2006, and by the title holders in 2002 and 1998.
- National Anthems: as with all major international tournaments, the national anthems of each team is played before the game.
- Entering the field: as with most international football matches, schoolchildren escort the players onto the field before each match of the World Cup.
- Shirt Exchange: it is common for players to exchange shirts with opposition players after the game.
- Awards: there are many awards for players and teams at the FIFA World Cup, including the best player, the top goal scorer, and the best goalkeeper.
- Captain Prize: In 2022, the Qatar organizers presented to the winning Argentinian captain Messi a bisht, a traditional Arab cloak, at the award ceremony. Is this a new tradition?
Related Pages
- Other sporting Mascots: Olympic Games, Winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games
- Olympic Games traditions
- More World Cup History
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