The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues to make history, even though it's still in the Group Stage. The tournament has officially become the most attended tournament in football history, surpassing the long-standing record set during the 1994 edition in the United States.
According to FIFA, total attendance reached 3,605,357 spectators as the group stage continued, eclipsing the previous mark of 3,587,538 set at the 1994 tournament. The tournament continues with high expectations for even greater crowds in the knockout stages.
FIFA World Cup 2026 breaks All-Time attendance record
The milestone was confirmed during matches on Thursday, including Ecuador versus Germany at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, features an expanded format with 48 teams and a total of 104 matches. Large stadium capacities and strong local interest across North America have driven the high numbers, with daily attendance records also falling earlier in the competition.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the figures as a testament to global enthusiasm for the sport. While the 1994 World Cup still holds the record for highest average attendance per match, the current edition is on track to set multiple benchmarks before the final in July.
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