Expansion to 48 teams enhances FIFA World Cup attendance and excitement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 3:25 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
The FIFA World Cup's expansion to 48 teams has yielded strong attendance figures, totaling over 4.6 million spectators across 72 group matches in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This surpasses the attendance from the 1994 World Cup. High-profile players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are contributing to a notable increase in goals scored, averaging 3.03 per match, compared to 2.68 in the previous tournament. Some traditional teams have faced unexpected losses, while newcomers like Cabo Verde have advanced to the Round of 32. The tournament continues with significant matches ahead as the knockout phase approaches.
- •Total attendance exceeds 4.6 million, surpassing 1994 World Cup records.
- •Average goals per match increased to 3.03, up from 2.68 in Qatar 2022.
- •Cabo Verde reaches the Round of 32 in their World Cup debut.
- •Several traditional teams experience significant losses during the group stage.
- •Tournament features matches played across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
- 3:25 PMYahoo Sports — Expanding the World Cup field to 48 has proven to be an overwhelming success
"Although it's not recommended for every sport, the growth of the FIFA World Cup from a 32-team tournament through nearly three decades to 48 teams for the first time in 2026 has been a worthy endeavor.
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