World Cup sets single-day attendance record

FIFA received a boost as Tuesday's four matches at the 2026 World Cup drew a record single-day attendance of 281,223 fans, easing concerns over high ticket prices and empty seats during the opening days of the tournament.

Matches between France and Senegal, Argentina and Algeria, Austria and Jordan, and Norway and Iraq combined to set a new World Cup record for the highest daily attendance.

The score is displayed on the stadium screen during the group I match between France and Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium in New York, the United States, June 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Cao Can)

The figure surpassed the previous mark of 277,070, set at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Both records came on days featuring four matches, while most previous World Cup schedules typically included three matches per day.

A crowd of 80,545 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, watched France defeat Senegal 3-1 behind two goals from Kylian Mbappe.

Another 69,045 spectators were in Kansas City to see Lionel Messi make his sixth World Cup appearance and score a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria.

In Santa Clara, California, 68,527 fans watched Austria overcome a spirited Jordan side 3-1 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Meanwhile, 63,106 supporters attended Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq in Boston, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.

According to FIFA, the tournament's average attendance currently stands at 65,483.

The governing body said the 2026 World Cup is on course to surpass the overall attendance record of 3,587,538 set at the 1994 tournament, although the expanded format means considerably more matches will be played this year.