Supersized World Cup: Navigating Soccer's Expanding Universe

With the expansion to a 48-team World Cup, FIFA shows no sign of slowing down. Yet, questions about player welfare and match quality linger. Legends Messi and Ronaldo might face off one last time, while rising stars like Ousmane Dembele are making waves and women's soccer continues to thrive.

In a year where bigger certainly means bolder for global soccer, the sport's governing bodies are gearing up for a World Cup of unprecedented scale. With 48 teams competing, the tournament promises immersive experiences for fans but raises concerns about player welfare and match quality.

For football aficionados, the potential showdown of icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo captivates attention. Despite their age, both players continue to dominate their leagues, setting the stage for a historic face-off in Kansas City as they edge closer to the sunsetting of their monumental careers.

Meanwhile, advancements in sport technology and the rise of new talent like Ousmane Dembele underscore the dynamic evolution of soccer. As the Women's World Cup also expands, a global audience becomes increasingly captivated, reaffirming the beautiful game's growing reach and influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)