The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached another historic milestone, setting a new attendance record before the tournament has even concluded.

According to official figures released by FIFA, the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico has welcomed 6,527,410 spectators through the first 100 matches, already surpassing the combined in-stadium attendance of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 2018 and 2022 World Cups each featured 64 matches and attracted a combined 6,436,020 spectators. With two semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the final still remaining, the 2026 edition is guaranteed to extend its record even further. The achievement highlights the enormous global appeal of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which expanded the tournament from 32 participating nations.

FIFA’s report, released on July 8, revealed that stadiums have operated at an impressive 99.7% capacity, averaging more than 65,000 fans per match. The near-capacity crowds reflect the overwhelming demand for tickets across all three host countries and reinforce the success of the expanded tournament format.

The excitement has extended well beyond the stadiums. FIFA reported that more than 7.7 million visitors have attended FIFA Fan Festival sites across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making them major gathering points for supporters throughout the month-long competition.

The tournament has also delivered record-breaking numbers online. According to FIFA, World Cup 2026 has generated:

  • 20 billion video views
  • 30 billion social media impressions
  • 1.7 billion social media engagements

All three figures significantly exceed those recorded during the same stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Among the tournament’s most-watched viral moments, Norway’s Viking clap celebration amassed 174 million views on TikTok, while the opening ceremony performances by Shakira and Burna Boy ranked among the event’s most widely viewed digital content.

With record-breaking attendance, nearly sold-out stadiums, millions gathering at FIFA Fan Festivals, and unprecedented digital engagement, World Cup 2026 has already established itself as one of the most successful editions in the tournament’s history. As the semifinals and final approach, FIFA’s landmark event is poised to raise the bar even higher both on and off the pitch.

Sources: Znews