Overview
- Tournament organisers and referee chiefs have briefed all 48 teams on law changes that give VAR wider scope, allow a five-second visual countdown for goal kicks and throw-ins, and introduce sanctions for players or staff who leave the field to protest.
- Hydration breaks of three minutes will be held in the middle of each half because of heat, and referees were told they will not allow teams to go to the bench when a goalkeeper is treated on the pitch.
- Teams met the June 1 squad submission deadline and full rosters are due to be published by organisers, with nations using the final warm-up matches to test lineups and tactics.
- The United States beat Senegal 3-2 in a warm-up that highlighted Christian Pulisic, Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun, and saw coach Mauricio Pochettino use a hydration break to deliver tactical instructions.
- South Africa’s planned charter was delayed over visas, and officials confirmed on Monday that all players had received US transit visas while several staff still awaited clearance before leaving for training in Mexico.