The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has set new attendance records with 3.5 million tickets sold for the expanded 48-team tournament — surpassing all previous World Cup attendance figures.
Tournament Highlights
The first World Cup held in three countries simultaneously has been a logistical and commercial success beyond FIFA's projections.
- Average attendance: 72,400 per match (previous record: 68,991 at 1994 US World Cup)
- MetLife Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and AT&T Stadium hosting the highest-demand matches
- Estimated $5 billion in direct economic impact for host cities
- TV viewership averaging 1.2 billion per match globally
Cultural Impact
The tournament has accelerated soccer's growth in the United States, with youth soccer registration up 28% and MLS season ticket sales surging 45%. Analysts predict the World Cup effect will permanently elevate soccer's status as a mainstream American sport.
