Overview

• FIFA and local committees are reviewing the U.S. executive order on travel restrictions to ensure exemptions for players and address access issues for fans from 19 affected countries.
• The United States will stage 60 matches across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium, with host sites racing to complete venue renovations and fan festivals.
• U.S. host cities outlined legacy visions featuring youth sports infrastructure in Dallas, cultural equity projects in Seattle and large-scale public viewing zones in New York/New Jersey and the Bay Area.
• Scientists at facilities like the University of Tennessee in Knoxville are finalizing natural grass–artificial fiber blends and subsurface designs to deliver consistent pitch performance across all World Cup venues.
• Canada’s men’s team is riding momentum from their Copa América semifinals run and a Canadian Shield tournament win as they prepare to debut on home soil next June.