WHICH COUNTRY WILL HAVE THE MOST FANS AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Fans already preparing for their trip

Although there are still months to go before the ball starts rolling, thousands of fans are already booking flights, accommodations, and tickets. According to FIFA data, more than 65% of ticket applications in the first presale phase for 2026 come from fans in Latin America, with Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico leading the list.

The kings of support: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico

It's no surprise: Argentinians are recognized worldwide for their inexhaustible passion. In Qatar 2022, they were the second largest group of fans, only behind the local Qataris. By 2026, it is estimated that more than 100,000 Argentine fans will travel by road or plane to the United States, especially if Lionel Messi decides to play in his last World Cup.

• Argentina: between 90,000 and 110,000 fans expected.

• Brazil: around 80,000 fans, with a strong presence in Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

• Mexico: more than 150,000 local fans filling stadiums across the country.

• United States: 200,000 local attendees per game on average, according to projections.

A Connected and Global Fanbase

2026 will be the most connected World Cup in history. With 5G in stadiums, instant translation, and immersive experiences, fan communities will be able to share every goal as if they were together. Furthermore, many organized fan groups from countries like Japan, Croatia, and Morocco are already planning continental tours, taking advantage of air routes between the 16 host cities.

A 2024 YouGov survey revealed that 72% of Latin American fans are considering traveling to the 2026 World Cup "for at least one match," with Mexico and Argentina standing out as the most committed. Meanwhile, the United States expects a record-breaking local audience, with more than 3 million tickets sold within its borders.

The Power of the Home Crowd

Being a host country has its advantages. In 2026, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will not only welcome national teams, but also millions of visitors. However, the locals will play a key role: they will fill the stands, boost tourism, and create the global party atmosphere that defines a World Cup.

The United States, the Sleeping Giant Awakening

Although not traditionally associated with a “loud crowd,” the United States is experiencing a soccer boom. According to Statista data, 34% of young Americans between the ages of 16 and 29 consider soccer their second favorite sport, surpassing baseball for the first time. With stadiums holding 70,000 to 90,000 spectators, a massive influx of local fans is expected, especially in multicultural cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. More than 3 million tickets are available in the U.S. alone. 65% of attendees will be local residents. Average spending per fan will exceed $1,500. The most sought-after stadiums are AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and MetLife Stadium (New Jersey). Mexico: Passion at Home Mexico will host its third World Cup, a feat no other country has accomplished. The Azteca Stadium will be the epicenter of the Mexican celebrations, with fans blending tradition and excitement. It is estimated that more than 150,000 local fans will attend matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, in addition to thousands of visitors from the southern United States and Central America. The economic impact will be enormous: the Ministry of Tourism estimates revenues exceeding $1.2 billion from lodging and domestic transportation alone. And if Mexico advances to the round of 16 or quarterfinals, the country will literally come to a standstill.

Canada: The New Soccer-Fan Audience

Although hockey still dominates in Canada, soccer is gaining ground. With their national team's qualification and the presence of stars in international leagues, Toronto and Vancouver are expected to experience a true World Cup fever. FIFA estimates that Canada will contribute around 400,000 total attendees, both locals and visitors.

Canadians, always organized, are already preparing cultural events alongside the World Cup, with fan zones and music festivals to attract fans from all over the world. It will be a mix of order, passion, and multiculturalism.

The final ranking of fans and curiosities

Although not all tickets have been sold yet, global projections allow us to outline a ranking of which countries will contribute the most fans to the 2026 World Cup. And watch out: there are surprises.

Top 10 projected fan bases

• 1. United States – 3.2 million total attendees.

• 2. Mexico – 1.1 million.

• 3. Argentina – 100,000 to 120,000 fans traveling from South America. 4. Brazil – 90,000 to 100,000. 5. Canada – 400,000 combined home and visiting fans. 6. England – 60,000 fans expected. 7. Japan – 45,000 fans planning group trips. 8. Germany – 40,000 European fans. 9. Morocco – 35,000 following the success of 2022. 10. France – 30,000 confirmed fans.

Interesting facts that paint a picture of the party

Among the curiosities that will mark the 2026 World Cup, it stands out that it will be the first with more than 100 charter flights of Argentine fans registered. Also, FIFA plans to implement an app to track fan flows by country, helping to manage security and mobility. In addition, beer consumption during the tournament is expected to exceed 400 million liters in North America, an absolute record.

Another striking fact: US stadiums will allow contactless payments and "fan zone" experiences with 5G connectivity, which will allow fans to follow matches simultaneously on multiple screens. In short, the 2026 World Cup will not only be the biggest, but also the most experienced and shared. So, if you're wondering which country will have the most fans at the 2026 World Cup, the answer combines passion and numbers: the United States will dominate in terms of quantity, Mexico in terms of dedication, and Argentina in terms of heart. But in the end, they will all be singing the same thing: “Let's go to the World Cup!”