Overview
- The expanded tournament runs June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico with 48 teams and 104 matches, while six remaining berths will be settled by late‑March playoff tournaments in Mexico and Europe.
- Hundreds of millions in federal security money expected by host cities have not been paid due to a partial U.S. government shutdown, prompting warnings from local officials and leading some Fan Fests to scale back plans.
- Iran’s place is in doubt after recent U.S.-Israel strikes, with federation president Mehdi Taj saying the nation could refuse to play, though no withdrawal has been announced and FIFA has not taken action.
- Foxborough has held up an entertainment license for Gillette Stadium matches over $7–8 million in local security costs, with a town meeting set for tonight and a March 17 deadline that officials say could jeopardize games if funding is unresolved.
- Ticketing remains unsettled as FIFA touted sellouts, then offered new purchase emails ahead of an April sales window with high prices still listed, while cities refine the fan experience through transit and events, including Toronto’s service ramp‑ups and a free viewing village in Cincinnati.