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SportsFIFA: 2.85M attend first 44 matches of 2026 World Cup, stadiums at 99.6% capacity
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According to FIFA data, attendance at the 2026 World Cup has defied pre-tournament concerns about American interest. Through 44 matches, total attendance has reached 2.85 million, with stadiums averaging 99.6% capacity. The tournament, hosted primarily in the United States, features an expanded format of 104 matches, up from 64 in previous editions. Despite initial skepticism about the sport's popularity in the U.S., the strong turnout indicates robust demand and suggests the event is on pace to break the all-time World Cup attendance record. The Business Times reported on June 24, 2026, that American audiences have flocked to matches, turning the event into a major spectacle.
Source report
Through 44 matches, attendance has topped 2.85 million and stadiums are 99.6% full, finds FIFA data.
Published: Wed, Jun 24, 2026 · 12:25 PM
Despite earlier concerns over attendance, the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States is drawing massive crowds. According to FIFA data, more than 2.85 million spectators have attended the tournament's first 44 matches, with stadiums averaging 99.6% capacity.
The expanded tournament—featuring 104 matches, up from 64 in previous editions—is on track to break the all-time attendance record. The strong turnout reflects robust American interest in the global football spectacle.
Source
The Business TimesRegional
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2026 FIFA World Cup Breaks All-Time Attendance Record