Overview
- FIFA has the tournament framework in place with 12 groups drawn, match dates fixed and the group stage running June 11–27 followed by a round‑of‑32 beginning June 28.
- Teams met the June 1 roster deadline by filing final 26‑player squads and now are completing warm‑up friendlies and fitness checks ahead of base‑camp arrivals.
- Defending champion Argentina has established its base at Sporting Kansas City and will start its Group J campaign in Kansas City, with other top sides such as France preparing in their host cities.
- Off‑field issues continue to press organizers: New York and New Jersey attorneys general have subpoenaed FIFA over ticket pricing and seat reassignments, and some broadcasters reached last‑minute deals that could change how fans watch in territories like India.
- The move from 32 to 48 teams expands the group stage and advances the top two plus the eight best third‑place sides to the knockouts, which will affect scheduling, squad rotation and tactical approaches across the first three weeks.