A stadium in Mexico City hosts the group-stage match between Mexico and the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup. [Reuters]
A stadium in Mexico City hosts the group-stage match between Mexico and the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup. [Reuters]

The 2026 World Cup has set an all-time attendance record, surpassing 3.6 million spectators to become the best-attended tournament in the competition's history.

Total attendance through Thursday reached 3,605,357, according to CBS News and other media outlets.

That figure surpasses the previous record of 3,587,538 set at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

With 56 of the tournament's 104 matches played through Thursday, the final attendance figure is expected to climb further.

Single-day attendance also hit an all-time high that day.

A stadium in Miami, Florida hosts the group-stage match between Brazil and Scotland at the 2026 World Cup. [AFP]
A stadium in Miami, Florida hosts the group-stage match between Brazil and Scotland at the 2026 World Cup. [AFP]

Six venues — BC Place in Vancouver, Canada; and stadiums in Seattle, Miami and Atlanta in the United States; and Monterrey and Mexico City in Mexico — drew a combined 384,206 spectators on Thursday.

Stadium capacity utilization also reached a record high of 99.7 percent.

However, the current tournament features 48 nations — more than any previous edition — and 104 matches in total.

The 1994 World Cup in the United States involved 24 teams playing 52 matches. From 1998 onward, the field expanded to 32 teams competing across 64 matches.

[AFP]
[AFP]

FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote on social media: "3,605,357 fans — this World Cup has become the most attended in history. This is a true testament to your love for the beautiful game and to the power of football to bring people together, to share joy, emotion and celebration."

"I sincerely thank all the fans from around the world who have made this tournament shine," Infantino added. "The best is yet to come, and we will break even more records."


ygmoon@heraldcorp.com