Overview
- The tournament opened on June 12 with Mexico beating South Africa in a match widely criticized for poor quality and that produced three red cards, prompting public reproach from figures such as Jürgen Klopp.
- Canada lost 0-1 to Bosnia in the Group B opener in Toronto, a result that underscored Italy’s absence from the event after failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a new pre‑match ritual where full squads line the centre circle to hear anthems and later joked about expanding the World Cup to 64 or more teams, remarks that have drawn sharp criticism from Italian politicians and fans.
- Prominent Italian coaches and commentators have called for a deep overhaul of FIGC leadership and youth development after Italy’s March playoff loss to Bosnia produced the third consecutive failure to qualify.
- Off the field, Brazil prepare to start under Carlo Ancelotti likely without Neymar because of a calf problem and England are handling a theft of technical equipment in Kansas City that has led to a police probe and two arrests.