Overview
- FIFA has published the full fixture list and confirmed the tournament opens on Thursday, June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa at Estadio Azteca as the first of three national opening ceremonies.
- Organisers say stadium gates will open four hours before matches and shows will start 90 minutes before kickoff as rehearsals, drone tests and stage runs have taken place at host venues.
- Members of Iraq’s delegation reported prolonged inspections and the separation of striker Aymen Hussein at Chicago O’Hare, and the team’s photographer was reportedly denied entry, prompting complaints about immigration handling.
- A shooting in Kansas City wounded nine people in an area near England’s planned team base, and local authorities deployed an enhanced security operation without any reported injuries to team staff.
- Teams continue final warm-up friendlies and settle squads and lineups, while the tournament’s expanded 48-team, 104-match format increases cross‑border travel and logistical strain on security, visas and local organisers.