The 2026 FIFA World Cup has set a new attendance record, becoming the most attended edition in the history of the tournament. The competition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, attracted an estimated 6.81 million spectators across 104 matches, according to media reports.
The figure comfortably surpasses the previous attendance record of around 3.59 million fans, set during the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. The huge increase is partly linked to the expanded tournament format, which featured 48 teams and 104 matches, compared with 24 teams and 52 matches in 1994.
The record-breaking crowds underline the growing global popularity of football and the enormous interest surrounding the first World Cup hosted across three countries. Stadiums throughout North America welcomed fans from different parts of the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere around the tournament.
FIFA had already reported that more than 6.6 million fans attended matches through the two semi-finals, with stadiums operating at an impressive 99.7% capacity, another tournament record.
The 2026 tournament also created a major boost for tourism, transportation and local businesses in host cities. Millions of international supporters travelled across the continent to watch their teams compete.
With its record-breaking attendance, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has made history both on and off the pitch. The remarkable turnout demonstrates the tournament’s unmatched global appeal and highlights the massive impact of expanding the competition to 48 teams.
