World Cup opening weekend sees strong attendance despite high ticket prices
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 6:10 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
The World Cup opened with a dozen of its record 104 matches played this weekend in North America. Attendance numbers have been robust, with many matches selling out despite high ticket costs. Noteworthy moments include Curaçao's first goal in World Cup history and Qatar's first point in the tournament. Some fan bases were underrepresented due to travel restrictions and expensive tickets. The matches showcased competitive soccer, highlighted by a notable draw between Brazil and Morocco. Early viewership figures indicate significant interest, with the U.S. opener attracting nearly 16 million viewers on Fox.
- •Opening weekend included 104 matches played in North America.
- •Attendance was high at several sold-out games with minimal empty seats.
- •Curaçao recorded its first World Cup match and goal.
- •Brazil and Morocco played to a draw in a competitive match.
- •The U.S. opener attracted nearly 16 million viewers on Fox.
- 6:10 PMYahoo Sports — The World Cup’s Opening Weekend in America Was a Success (Mostly)
"Attendance is high even though tickets were pricey.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Jul 31, 2026, 1:08 PMFIFA wants World Cup expansion assessment amid pressure on Infantino- EPL•Jul 31, 2026, 12:53 PMMaresca outlines his main target for pre-season game against Inter
- Champions League•Jul 31, 2026, 12:52 PMJohn Stones ‘didn’t hesitate’ in seizing Inter Milan opportunity amid Premier League interest
EPL•Jul 31, 2026, 12:50 PMArsenal target Bruno Guimarães not on Newcastle’s flight to pre-season camp- EPL•Jul 31, 2026, 12:50 PMInter revive Curtis Jones pursuit as Liverpool stand firm on midfielder’s valuation
- Champions League•Jul 31, 2026, 12:49 PM'Truly flabbergasted' by Barcola price - fan views
