Overview
- FIFA will stage opening ceremonies in each host nation: June 11 in Mexico City, June 12 in Toronto, and June 12 in Los Angeles.
- Mexico vs. South Africa will open the tournament in Mexico City, Canada will debut in Toronto against the European playoff winner, and the United States will face Paraguay in Los Angeles.
- The final on July 19 in New York–New Jersey will feature a first‑ever special halftime show in addition to the closing ceremony.
- All matches will include two mandatory hydration breaks, one in each half, with play stopped at the 22nd minute of each period regardless of weather or stadium type.
- Referees will halt play automatically for the pauses, with a coordinated adjustment if a natural stoppage occurs near the scheduled time, a policy FIFA says is designed to protect players in an extended, tri‑nation tournament.