Overview
- FIFA increased the World Cup field to 48 teams and introduced a Sechzehntelfinale, a new knockout round that raises the total number of matches and gives players extra chances to add to their goal totals.
- IFAB-approved rule changes in effect at the tournament include expanded VAR review (including corners and second-yellow cards), 5‑second restart countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks, 10‑second substitution countdowns, a mandatory one-minute exit after on-field treatment for injured outfield players, two scheduled three-minute drink breaks per game, and the wiping of group-stage yellow cards before the first knockout round.
- Early results have unsettled favorites with Brazil drawing 1:1 against Morocco on June 14, a result that multiple outlets called a disappointing start and that intensified critical domestic and international press reaction.
- Germany opens its campaign on June 14 in Houston against World Cup debutant Curaçao, a match broadcast on ARD with streams on Joyn and matches on MagentaTV, and Curaçao will be coached by Dick Advocaat for its first tournament game.
- Miroslav Klose told reporters on June 13 he expects his 16‑goal World Cup record to fall in 2026, citing the expanded format; Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are the nearest active challengers and the extra matches make new scoring marks more likely.