Audio files in Files (app) on iOS 26 no longer play

On iOS 18, audio files could play within the Files app on my devices. The iOS 26 upgrade took that away.

Playing audio files (specifically mp3) within the Files app on iPhone or iPad is useful for quick preview and (in my case) classroom instruction. It was brilliantly simple. There was even a scrubbing bar at the bottom to easily browse and move through the audio.

However, with iOS 26, that ability is gone. The same audio files in my iCloud documents in the Files app no longer play. I am now asked to use another app, such as a 3rd party audio app. At the moment, I am using the Google Drive app to store and play the same audio files that used to work in the iOS ecosystem. They are simple mp3 files. I don't understand this change.

How can I correct this or fix this, if possible?