Overview
- The 48-team field is set, with Iraq clinching the final berth and returning to the World Cup after 40 years.
- FIFA published the full slate of fixtures across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- Iran has signaled it does not want to travel to the United States for matches, and President Donald Trump suggested the team should stay away.
- Fans now face visa and travel hurdles across three countries, since many supporters will need separate entry approvals and careful cross-border plans.
- Four nations will make their World Cup debuts: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.