Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
TOTAL EXPECTED ATTENDANCE AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP
The 2026 World Cup will be a watershed moment in football history. For the first time, three countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—will share hosting duties, and the tournament will expand to 48 teams. What does that mean? More matches, more cities, more stadiums… and of course, more fans. Projections point to a total attendance that will surpass all previous records: more than 5.5 million people in the stands! In this article, we'll tell you how that figure was reached, which cities will attract the biggest crowds, and some fascinating facts that will blow your mind.
Why are so many people expected?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be like previous ones. With 48 teams instead of the traditional 32, the tournament will expand from 64 to 104 matches, meaning many more opportunities for fans to attend the stadiums.
This simple structural change already generates an expected total attendance of close to 5.5 million people, almost double the previous record of 3.5 million in the USA in 1994.Key factors in the increased attendance
More games: from 64 to 104, which increases the volume of available tickets.
Larger stadiums: many of the selected venues are NFL stadiums, with capacities between 60,000 and 90,000 people.
Strategic location: there is excellent air and land connectivity between the three host countries.
Tourist appeal: cities like New York York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City are magnets for international visitors. Global football fever: each World Cup surpasses the previous one in audience and interest. Furthermore, FIFA estimates that more than 3 million tickets could be sold in the group stage alone. And considering that there will be matches in 16 different cities, with top-level stadiums and large-scale organization, the stage is set to break all known records.
Attendance Projections by Country and City
The distribution of matches among the three host countries is not equitable, and that also affects the attendance projection. The United States will be the epicenter of the tournament, hosting 60 of the 104 matches, including all matches from the quarterfinals onward. Therefore, it is expected to account for more than 70% of total attendance.
Top cities with the highest projected attendance
Dallas (AT&T Stadium): projected cumulative attendance of more than 500,000 people.
Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium): could host more than 450,000 fans during the tournament.
New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium): venue for the final, with an estimated attendance of over 400,000.
Mexico City (Estadio Azteca): close to 300,000 attendees, With historic matches on the way. Toronto (BMO Field) and Vancouver (BC Place): together they could draw 400,000 people. The United States, with larger stadiums and more matches, takes the lion's share: approximately 4 million attendees. Mexico projects between 800,000 and 1 million, while Canada expects around 600,000. And ticket sales? FIFA plans to sell more than 5 million tickets, with different presale phases, including exclusive ones for residents of the host countries. In addition, there will be official tour packages, premium tickets, and VIP hospitality, which will also impact the final number of attendees.
Statistics, records, and interesting facts
The 2026 World Cup is set to shatter several records. Beyond the number of teams and matches, the attendance figures will be historic. Here are some numbers that are worth their weight in gold… or at least a signed jersey:
Amazing numbers
USA 1994 holds the current record with 3.59 million attendees. A 50% jump is expected in 2026.
The opening match at Estadio Azteca could draw more than 85,000 people.
The final at MetLife Stadium could exceed 90,000 attendees with temporary renovations.
On average, each match will have around 53,000 spectators.
More than 3 million international tourists will visit North America for the tournament.
In addition, Fan Fests—those areas where you don't have a ticket but experience the World Cup with goals and beer—are expected to bring together more than 10 million people in total across the 16 host cities. Technology and Logistics at the Service of the Fan One of the keys to managing such a large number of attendees will be technology. From apps for digital tickets to intelligent transportation systems, each venue is preparing to avoid gridlock. In cities like Atlanta and Seattle, more than USD 200 million will be invested in improvements to public transportation and stadium access. In addition, FIFA will integrate real-time tracking technology to control entry and exit flows, reduce lines, and maximize the spectator experience. And if that weren't enough, immersive Augmented Reality experiences will be offered from your seat, along with personalized digital merchandise and food menus via QR code. Because going to the stadium is no longer just about shouting goals: it's about experiencing football in 360º.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
