Original FIFA World Cup trophy is in display during the trophy tour in Mexico City, Mexico, June 5, 2026. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)* The 2026 World Cup will be the largest and most geographically expansive edition in history, featuring 48 teams across three host nations and 16 cities, a scale that reflects FIFA's drive to globalize the game.* Familiar heavyweights such as France, Spain and Argentina headline the list of contenders, but the tournament is also set to showcase a new wave of young stars poised to seize the spotlight.* Chinese companies, technology and manufactured goods will be woven into every corner of the event, underscoring the country's growing role in the global sports economy.by sportswriters Zhao Yan and Cao JianjieMEXICO CITY, June 5 (Xinhua) -- When football's biggest event kicks off on June 11, it will do so on a scale never seen before. Spanning three host nations and 16 cities, the tournament will feature 48 teams, 104 matches and journeys that stretch thousands of kilometers.The expansion is the most significant change to the competition since it grew from 24 teams to 32 in 1998, reflecting FIFA's ambition to broaden the game's global reach. The result is a tournament that will be larger, longer and more geographically diverse than any before it.Yet for all the changes, some things remain familiar, with many traditional powers expected to again vie for football's most coveted prize on July 19.THE FAVORITESAmong the favorites are France, Spain, Argentina, Portugal and England, which boast squads packed with world-class talent and proven tournament pedigree.Few teams have been as consistent as France. The 2018 champion reached a second successive World Cup final in Qatar, falling to Argentina on penalties in one of the most dramatic matches in the tournament's history.Lionel Messi (L) of Argentina greets Kylian Mbappe of France during their 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Dec. 18, 2022. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)Central to France's ambitions is Kylian Mbappe. Having burst onto the global stage with four goals during France's triumphant campaign in Russia in 2018, Mbappe has spent the intervening years cementing his place among the game's elite. His eight goals in Qatar included a hat-trick in the final, a performance that would have defined most careers had it not been for Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste's composure in the shootout.Spain arrives with momentum after re-establishing itself as one of the game's leading teams. The European champion combines the technical quality that defined previous generations with a young squad that appears unburdened by expectation.Argentina's challenge is rather different. As defending champion, Lionel Scaloni's side will carry the weight that accompanies success. Much of the attention will inevitably focus on Messi, who will be making a record sixth World Cup appearance, but Argentina's strength extends far beyond its captain.Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Cristian Romero form the backbone of a squad that has collected the World Cup, two Copa Americas and Finalissima during one of the most successful periods in its history.A vendor displays World Cup-themed merchandise at the Yiwu International Trade Market, east China's Zhejiang Province, May 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)Portugal and England will also fancy their chances. Portugal possesses one of the most balanced midfields in the competition, led by Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha, while England once again turns to Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as it attempts to end a wait for a second World Cup trophy that stretches back to 1966.PLAYERS TO WATCHMbappe enters the competition with history beckoning. The French forward has scored 12 World Cup goals, leaving him four behind Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16. With teams now needing to play seven matches to reach the final, the German's mark appears increasingly vulnerable.Messi's presence alone guarantees attention, regardless of how far Argentina progresses. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will turn 39 during the tournament, and while he may have lost a yard of pace, his decision-making under pressure and sublime touch have not deserted him.Vinicius Junior will carry much of Brazil's attacking burden, while Pedri's creativity could prove decisive for Spain. South Korea captain Son Heung-min, Morocco playmaker Brahim Diaz and Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo are also expected to be pivotal for their respective teams.Nico Williams (R) and Lamine Yamal (C) of Spain celebrate after winning the UEFA Euro 2024 final, July 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)BREAKOUT STARSEvery World Cup produces players who arrive as bright prospects and leave as household names. Mbappe did it in 2018, James Rodriguez in 2014 and Thomas Muller in 2010.The 2026 edition is unlikely to be any different. Spain's Lamine Yamal heads a list of young players capable of making a major impact. Still only 18, the Barcelona winger has already become one of football's most exciting talents.Türkiye's Kenan Yildiz, Portugal's Joao Neves, France's Desire Doue and Argentina's Nico Paz are also attracting attention following impressive seasons for their respective clubs.Likewise, England's Nico O'Reilly, Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye and Mexico's Gilberto Mora have been touted as future stars and will hope to seize their moment on football's biggest stage.A media representative interacts with a video assistant referee (VAR) display during the media preview of the "Soccer & Technology from the FIFA Museum" exhibition at Science World in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, May 13, 2026. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)CHINA ELEMENTSChina's national team has not qualified for the World Cup since its only appearance in 2002, but Chinese companies and products will have a visible presence throughout the competition.Lenovo, FIFA's official technology partner, is expected to be a ubiquitous presence, with artificial intelligence increasingly integrated into areas ranging from match analysis to fan engagement. FIFA has said Lenovo's infrastructure and support services will help underpin key aspects of tournament operations.Hisense will also feature prominently through its longstanding partnership with FIFA. The Chinese electronics giant is providing display technology for broadcast and officiating systems, highlighting the leading role of Chinese companies in major international sporting events.China's influence extends beyond technology. Manufacturers in Yiwu are producing footballs, souvenirs and fan merchandise destined for markets around the world, while traditional Huzhou writing brush products from Zhejiang province have been selected for official World Cup cultural programs. Pop Mart's World Cup-themed Labubu collection has also demonstrated the commercial appeal of football-related products in China.A vendor displays World Cup-themed merchandise at the Yiwu International Trade Market, May 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)These developments underscore China's growing presence in the global sports economy, even in the absence of its national team.GLOBAL IMPACTThe scale of football's showpiece extends far beyond the pitch. FIFA expects approximately 6.5 million spectators to attend matches during the tournament, a figure that would make it the best-attended World Cup in history.Demand has already proven immense, with hundreds of millions of ticket requests submitted during the sales process.The audience will extend far beyond the stadiums. FIFA estimates that around five billion people engaged with the 2022 World Cup, while the final between Argentina and France reached approximately 1.5 billion viewers worldwide.A woman rides past football-themed graffiti in Mexico City, May 10, 2026. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)The tournament's economic footprint is expected to be equally significant. FIFA and the World Trade Organization have projected tens of billions of dollars in economic activity linked to the competition, with benefits flowing through tourism, hospitality, infrastructure and media sectors in the host nations.For the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament represents an opportunity to take center stage before a global audience. For players, it offers the chance to secure a place in football history.For everyone else, it remains a rare shared experience. The format may be larger. The distances may be greater. The technology may be more advanced than ever before.But when the opening whistle sounds in Mexico City, the essentials will remain unchanged. Glory and heartbreak still await. ■