SOCCER: World Cup sets all-time attendance record, surpassing 1994 mark

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become the best-attended tournament in history, surpassing the previous record of nearly 3.6 million spectators set during the 1994 World Cup in the United States, FIFA announced on Thursday.

The milestone was reached during the second half of Germany's Group E match against Ecuador at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Stadium screens displayed the new attendance record of 3,605,357, drawing loud applause from fans.

With 48 matches still to be played, the tournament's total attendance is expected to climb even higher. The 1994 World Cup featured only 52 matches, while the expanded 2026 tournament includes significantly more games. FIFA said stadiums have been more than 99% full on average throughout the competition.

Despite the record-breaking turnout, some fans were unable to attend due to high ticket prices and travel restrictions imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on certain countries, according to sports economist Victor Matheson of the College of the Holy Cross.

However, strong demand for tickets has kept stadiums packed. Dan Rascher, a sports economics expert at the University of San Francisco, said Americans are eager to be part of major sporting events and are willing to fill available seats.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. -Reporting by Nicholas P. BrownEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters