The 2026 World Cup has broken football's attendance record by drawing more than five million spectators. FIFA confirmed the milestone was reached during France's 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32 match.
The total count now stands at 5,048,079 fans, shattering the previous record of 3,587,538 set during the 1994 World Cup in the United States. The historic match took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where 80,663 supporters watched France progress to the Round of 16.
The expanded format featuring 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico has proven hugely popular with global audiences. Supporters from 210 countries and territories have attended matches, demonstrating the tournament's worldwide reach.
FIFA also disclosed that the competition recorded its highest single-day attendance on 25 June, when 426,834 fans attended matches across all three nations. Through the group stage, stadiums have operated at 99.7% capacity and averaged 64,511 spectators per match.
The 1994 tournament in the United States held the previous attendance crown despite featuring only 24 teams and 52 matches. The current edition's expansion to 48 nations and 104 matches has significantly boosted overall turnout, even as ticket prices initially sparked concern among fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino predicted the tournament could become the first World Cup to exceed seven million spectators before the final. With 27 matches still to play, the competition continues rewriting record books as it progresses toward the knockout rounds.
