Kuala lumpur: The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup Finals, which kicks off on Thursday (June 11), promises to be the largest-ever tournament organised in the history of world football. For the first time, the prestigious tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 32 previously, and will be jointly held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking it as the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations simultaneously since its inaugural edition in Uruguay in 1930. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new format will see the 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 32, which will be played on a knockout format until the final on July 19. With 48 teams competing, the total number of matches will rise to 104, up from 64 in previous editions, offering more countries the opportunity to experience playing on the world stage. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa is scheduled at the Mexico City St adium on July 11 at 1 pm local time, while the final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, concluding the 39-day tournament across 16 host cities. This year's World Cup will see Mexico becoming the first country to host the tournament three times, with the Mexico City Stadium, known as the Azteca Stadium, hosting three World Cup opening matches. World Cup 2026 will feature three official mascots: Maple the Moose for Canada, Zayu the Jaguar for Mexico, and Clutch the Bald Eagle for the United States, each representing the identity and football spirit of their respective countries. The tournament will also be the first to guarantee at least one representative from each of FIFA's six confederations will compete in the Finals, expanding global participation. The increased number of teams has been beneficial for Asia, with the Asian Football Confederation now having eight automatic slots in the Finals. This year's Finals could be the swansong for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, both expected to make their sixth appearance in the tournament, setting a new record in World Cup history. Messi, who led Argentina to a third title in the 2022 Qatar edition, holds the record for most World Cup appearances, having played 26 matches across five tournaments. Both Messi and Ronaldo are on course to become the first players to feature in six World Cup editions. Portugal, despite producing top players like Ronaldo, has never won the World Cup, with their best results being semi-final appearances in 1966 and 2006. Other major contenders for the trophy include Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, and England. Football fans worldwide are eager to see new global stars emerge as the sport's established names prepare to bow out. In Malaysia, the kickoff in Mexico is a symbol of hope, with aspirations of seeing the Jalur Gemilang flying high on the World Cup stage someday.