Bigger or better? The beautiful game's growth knows no bounds

LONDON, Dec 18 : Bigger does not always mean better but try telling that to those who govern the world's most popular sport as they reflect on a jam-packed year and begin the countdown to a super-sized World Cup that will dwarf previous tournaments.

World soccer's governing body FIFA - not to mention continental confederations, national leagues and broadcasters - will argue that the appetite for the 'beautiful game' is insatiable and will point to the past 12 months as evidence.

FIFA described its expanded 32-team Club World Cup as a 'roaring success' with 2.4 million fans attending the summer tournament in the United States, including 81,000 for the final in which Chelsea beat Paris St Germain.

The fact Auckland City FC lost 10-0 to Bayern Munich and 6-0 to Benfica while Al Ain suffered 5-0 and 6-0 defeats raised questions about quality control and such mismatches will litter the World Cup.

A record 48 nations - up from 32 in Qatar in 2022 - will descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico for a 104-match tournament that will test the endurance of players, supporters and media to the absolute limit.

Player welfare has already become a flashpoint, with FIFPro warning of rising injury rates and burnout amid an ever-expanding calendar.

Once the likes of Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan have had their moments in the sun, the World Cup will more than likely arrive at its business end with the usual suspects – holders Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, England and Germany – scrapping for the coveted crown.

MESSI AND RONALDO COULD MEET IN LAST DANCE

Television commentators will require copious notes on some unfamiliar names, but two players will need no introduction.

Argentina's Lionel Messi and Portugal's Cristiano