2026 FIFA World Cup Breaks All-Time Attendance Record
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already made history by becoming the most attended edition ever. Even before the group stage concludes, the tournament has surpassed the attendance record that had stood since the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to make history both on and off the pitch. Even before the conclusion of the group stage, the tournament has already set a new all-time attendance record, drawing more than 3.6 million fans to stadiums and surpassing the mark established by the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States more than three decades ago.
The new milestone reflects the enormous global interest generated by the first World Cup featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches. The expanded format has allowed millions of supporters to experience the tournament across host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A Record Broken Ahead of Schedule
With 3,605,357 spectators already through the turnstiles, the 2026 tournament has eclipsed the previous record of 3,587,538 fans set during the 1994 edition. What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the new benchmark was reached before the end of the group stage, meaning the final attendance figure is expected to climb significantly higher.
Beyond the increase in the number of matches, fan support has been exceptional throughout the competition. Stadiums have averaged nearly 65,000 spectators per game, creating electric atmospheres from the opening fixtures and establishing this World Cup as one of the most successful ever in terms of attendance.
Supporters from every corner of the globe have transformed all 16 host cities into vibrant celebrations of football.
Gianni Infantino Celebrates Fans' Passion
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the achievement, saying the new attendance record highlights football's unique ability to unite people from different cultures through a shared passion for the game.
He emphasized that the scenes inside the stadiums throughout the tournament have been extraordinary and thanked fans from around the world for traveling to be part of the event.
Infantino also believes additional attendance records could still be broken before the final, while stressing that the greatest success of the tournament is the unforgettable experience being created for millions of supporters.
With several weeks of competition still to come and the knockout rounds yet to begin, the 2026 FIFA World Cup appears set to raise the attendance record even further, cementing its place as the most attended tournament in football history.
