2026 World Cup attendance surpasses previous tournaments but lags in match average

The 2026 World Cup has recorded over 3.8 million fans through 60 matches, surpassing the total attendance of 3.6 million from the 1994 tournament. While the current tournament boasts a larger number of teams and matches, its average attendance per match is lower at 64,720 compared to 68,991 in 1994. The 1994 tournament, which had only 24 teams and 52 matches, set records partly due to larger stadium capacities, averaging 74,166 per venue. In contrast, 2026 features several stadiums with capacities of around 45,000, affecting the overall average. The tournament is expected to reach a total attendance of 6.7 million based on current trends.

• 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — The 2026 World Cup already set an attendance record. The catch? 1994