Brazil is gunning to claim a record-extending sixth World Cup this summer.

A record 48-team field, complex logistics and likely farewells of soccer icons are among key storylines for the 2026 World Cup, which starts Thursday.

IAN LADYMAN IN NEW JERSEY: Brazil and the World Cup. It's hard to think of one without the other. But not since 2002 have the South Americans really come close to doing their…