2026 World Cup sets all-time attendance record, misses 1994 mark

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already set a new attendance record, making it the most-watched tournament ever, but it still trails the 1994 edition in terms of average crowd size per game. This expansion to 48 teams has led to a higher overall turnout, demonstrating the global appeal of soccer. The record attendance highlights the event's significance in uniting fans worldwide, even as organizers continue to fine-tune the format to balance excitement with capacity. This milestone also underscores the ongoing evolution of the sport's global reach.