The captains will exchange pennants ahead of the kick-off in all 64 matches of this year’s World Cup.
This is a long-standing tradition in international football and often takes place before important matches at club level as well.
The pennants usually feature the crest of the national team in question, although sometimes national flags are used instead.
The exchange of pennants is intended as a symbol of friendship and a mark of respect between the two captains and the countries they represent.
Opposition pennants are usually retained by the recipient country, with the larger ones often displayed in museums.
For example, the “People’s Collection” at the National Football Museum in Manchester houses pennants that were once given to England. (opens in a new tab) national team and English clubs.
The exchange of pennants takes place in the center circle, when the captains shake hands with each other and with the match officials.
This is also when the referee holds a coin toss to determine which team will kick off and which end of the pitch each side will occupy in the first half.
This will happen before each game, starting with the opening match between Ecuador (opens in a new tab) and welcomes Qatar (opens in a new tab) at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, November 20.
England will kick off their campaign against Iran a day later, before facing the other two teams in Group B – the United States. (opens in a new tab) and Wales (opens in a new tab).
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which begins on December 3.
Despite their poor recent form, Gareth Southgate’s side will hope to reach the final stages after reaching the Euro 2020 final.
Brazil (opens in a new tab)Argentina (opens in a new tab) and holders France (opens in a new tab) are among the favorites to win the World Cup, which has been pushed back to winter due to high summer temperatures in Qatar.
