Why are players walking out in ‘NBA Style’ at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has created a unique stage for clubs from around the world, bringing together 32 teams in a landmark event for global soccer. With the tournament taking place in the United States, fans have been curious about one noticeable change—players walking out in an “NBA-style” introduction.

Traditionally in soccer, both teams enter the field at the same time, usually accompanied by child mascots, before lining up for national or competition anthems. That long-standing custom has been altered in this edition of the Club World Cup, drawing questions and mixed reactions.

FIFA opted to incorporate a walkout format inspired by American sports. Each starter is introduced individually by an announcer, with players taking the field one by one. The team captain is the last to be introduced, rounding out the lineup in dramatic fashion.

Substitutes do not participate in the walkout, which is exclusive to the starting eleven. The format debuted in the tournament opener between Inter Miami and Al Ahly on Saturday, June 14, adding a theatrical twist to an already innovative competition.

NBA-style walkout: A temporary experiment

The individualized walkout has taken many fans by surprise, replacing a familiar pregame tradition with a more showbiz-style presentation. However, this new protocol is expected to be temporary.

The NBA-style walkout will be used only during Matchday 1 of the Club World Cup. From Matchday 2 onward, teams are expected to return to the traditional simultaneous entrance format that has long been the standard in world soccer.