At each World Cup match a small group of children steps onto the pitch alongside the players, a ritual that has become as synonymous with the tournament as the anthem and the flags.
Why the Tradition Remains a Puzzle
The youngsters, numbering 52 for every game, are given the honor of selecting which player they will walk beside, and they leave the field clutching a complimentary soccer ball before disappearing into the stands.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly acknowledged that the governing body does not understand the origin of the practice, stating that it was not a program initiated by the organization.
During a recent press conference the president was briefly interrupted when a cluster of children entered his office, an incident that underscored the unpredictable charm of the ceremony.
The mystery adds a layer of intrigue to an already theatrical event, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering whether the ritual will ever be formally explained or preserved as a spontaneous gesture.