DALLAS — The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament ever held in history.
With the expanded field and more games than ever before, there are sure to be more fans flocking to North America than any previous World Cup in history. But will the United States surpass the average attendance per match record?
Which World Cup had the highest attendance of all-time?
In 1994, 68,600 people attended World Cup matches, on average, according to Statista. That record stands to this day. The World Cup with the next highest average attendance, per Statista, was the 1950 World Cup in Brazil with 60,700 people per match. Brazil's 2014 iteration came in third with 53,700 people per match.
Things to know for the 2026 World Cup
Where is the 2026 World Cup Final?
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.)
The World Cup Final in 2026 will be held at MetLife Stadium. MetLife Stadium is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets. It was also a host venue in the 1994 World Cup. In 1994, then called Giants Stadium, it hosted four group stage matches, a Round of 16 match, a quarter-finals match and a semi-final match.
Where are the 2026 World Cup Opening Matches?
Overall opening/first Mexico game: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)
The World Cup Opening Match in 2026 will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. It is regarded as one of the most famous soccer stadiums in the world. It will become the first stadium in history to host three World Cups.
It was the venue for the 1970 World Cup Final and the 1986 World Cup Final. The stadium also hosted the "Game of the Century," when Italy defeated West Germany 4–3 in extra time in one of the 1970 semifinal matches.
First U.S. game: SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, Calif., U.S.)
The first U.S. game in the 2026 World Cup will be held at SoFi Stadium on June 12. SoFi Stadium is no stranger to holding big sporting events, hosting Super Bowl LVI in 2022 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023.
SoFi Stadium has also hosted numerous international soccer matches, including the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final and friendly between Arsenal and FC Barcelona. It is also set to be a hosting venue for the 2024 Copa America tournament this summer.
First Canada game: BMO Field (Toronto, Canada)
Canada's first match in the 2026 World Cup will be held at BMO Field in Toronto, home of MLS club Toronto FC, June 12. BMO Field has hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup and numerous friendlies among top clubs in the world.
Is this the first time the U.S., Canada or Mexico have hosted a World Cup?
No.
The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994. This is the first time Canada will host the men's iteration of the World Cup, but hosted the Women's World Cup in 2015, which the U.S. squad won. Mexico has hosted the World Cup twice: in 1970 and 1986.
When the World Cup came to the US in 1994, the Cotton Bowl hosted six games, including a memorable quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and Brazil, remembered as arguably the entire tournament’s top match. The Cotton Bowl hosted 4 group stage matches, 1 round of 16 and 1 quarterfinal.
Is this the first time more than one country has hosted the World Cup together?
No.
In 2002, South Korea and Japan jointly hosted the FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the second time in history the tournament has been hosted by more than one nation and the first time it has been hosted jointly by three countries.
How to get 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets
Fans can begin pre-registering for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket information at fifa.com/tickets.
Pre-registration for information on hospitality packages is also available at FIFA.com/hospitality.
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