Overview
- Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in the World Cup opening game at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, a match notable for three red cards shown by referee Wilton Sampaio.
- FIFA's rule package is active at the tournament and includes a one‑minute exit for players treated on the pitch, stricter substitution timing, a five‑second countdown for throw‑ins and goal kicks, bans on covering the mouth during disputes, yellow‑card resets after the group stage and quarterfinals, and expanded VAR review powers.
- TV analysts and former players gave mixed assessments of the opening night, praising the emotion and result for Mexico but criticizing the game's low intensity and questioning how the new rules will change refereeing and match flow.
- Several teams reported early logistical and personnel developments: Germany took a regeneration day in Winston‑Salem while players and the DFB say bonus talks remain close to resolution, Canada will begin without Alphonso Davies because of a May thigh injury, and Erling Haaland will wear 'Braut Haaland' on Norway's shirt.
- This edition is the first 48‑team, 104‑match World Cup spread across the USA, Mexico and Canada, increasing scheduling, player‑management and security demands and putting early pressure on how teams and officials adapt to the tournament's scale and new laws.