Overview
- Most national teams have submitted and published their final 26‑player squads, with France completing its group at Clairefontaine on Tuesday and planning friendlies before flying to the United States.
- FIFA convened 170 match officials for a ten‑day preparatory camp in Miami to ready referees and VAR teams for the heavier schedule of a 48‑team, 104‑match World Cup.
- France is monitoring William Saliba’s fitness after reports of back pain from the Champions League final and the defender is undergoing medical tests that will determine his tournament status.
- South Africa’s delegation left for Mexico after a 24‑hour delay caused by late visas, an incident that drew an apology from the national federation and demands for explanations from government officials.
- Opta’s early simulations put Spain slightly ahead in title probability and give France around a 13% chance to win, offering a statistical baseline that does not replace on‑field uncertainties.