Overview
- The tournament opens at Estadio Azteca on 11 June with a 90‑minute opening show featuring Shakira and Burna Boy ahead of Mexico v South Africa, and additional high‑profile pregame events are planned in Toronto and Los Angeles.
- IFAB and FIFA rule changes are in force for the competition, giving VAR new powers to review potential second‑yellow/red incidents, some corner‑related goals and player misidentification, adding strict anti‑timewasting procedures and mandating short halftime drink breaks.
- Broadcasters and local authorities have published viewing guidance to handle North American kickoffs that often occur late in Europe, and Germany has relaxed some noise rules so fans can watch games in bars, beer gardens and local venues rather than large central fanmeilen.
- Reports and commentary have raised access and human‑rights concerns, citing restrictions on some Iran participants and fans and an account that a FIFA‑nominated Somali referee was turned back at Miami airport, but these issues have not stopped the tournament start.
- The event spans 16 host cities across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, features 48 teams and 104 matches in a new 12‑group format that creates a round of 32, a schedule that will shape player workload, broadcast windows and fan logistics over six weeks.