FIFA modified the 2026 World Cup pre-match protocol following a complaint from England manager Thomas Tuchel. Coaching staff are now permitted to stand on either side of photographers along the sideline during the national anthems to maintain clear sightlines of their players.
Tuchel raised the issue after England's 4-2 victory over Croatia, saying he could not see his players during the anthem singing because of a "wall of 50 photographers" blocking the sideline view.
Under the new rule, coaching staff have greater flexibility to position themselves away from the photographer placement area. The change applies to all remaining matches in the tournament.
Source:
Чемпионат.com