World Cup by the numbers: 1,248 players, 48 teams and 3 countries make this the largest ever

World Cup by the numbers: 104 matches, 48 teams and 3 countries make this the largest ever

This year’s edition of the World Cup will be the biggest ever with an expanded field of 48 teams, three host countries and 16 stadiums staging the record 104 matches over the 39-day tournament.