Mumbai, June 11 -- Former Indian football captain and legendary striker Bhaichung Bhutia has welcomed FIFA's decision to expand the 2026 edition of the World Cup to 48 teams, calling it a "wonderful thing" that significantly boosts India's prospects of playing on the grandest stage of world football.

The 2026 edition of the World Cup will see a record-breaking participation, with final squad lists revealing 1,248 players from 48 nations set to compete in the expanded global tournament, starting on June 12 (Indian Standard Time). Out of 1248 players, 891 players are set to make their World Cup debut, underlining the mix of continuity and fresh faces at the tournament.

A total of 104 matches will be held across Canada, Mexico and the Unit...