Overview
- The tournament opened on June 11 with the United States beating Paraguay 4-1 in one of the first matches, a result that has boosted local momentum for the host side.
- This edition is the largest ever with 48 teams and 104 matches shared across the United States, Canada and Mexico under a new format that expands knockout places.
- National teams are settling into regional bases and training sites, for example Germany at The Graylyn Estate in Winston‑Salem with practice at Wake Forest University ahead of group fixtures.
- Match‑day operations have drawn criticism after referees ordered scheduled heat breaks and stadium grounds crews watered pitches during pauses, a practice TV analyst Bastian Schweinsteiger said changed ball behaviour and disrupted play.
- Separate security incidents are under investigation, including Mexican police finding a body near Iran’s training site and reported break‑ins of vehicles carrying England’s equipment, creating logistical and safety concerns for teams and officials.