FIFA World Cup 2026 sets record attendance in group stage

FIFA reported that the 2026 World Cup group stage, contested in 72 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, attracted 4,644,549 spectators – a new tournament record and 99.7% of available seats filled, averaging 64,508 fans per match. A single‑day attendance record of 426,834 was set on 25 June. The phase produced 215 goals (2.98 per game, the highest average since 1958) scored by 47 of the 48 teams; Panama was the only side without a goal. A total of 1,248 players were registered, with 999 making an appearance. Lionel Messi became the all‑time leading World Cup scorer (19 goals) and the first to score in seven consecutive tournaments, also recording the oldest hat‑trick in history. Other milestones included Dick Advocaat (oldest coach at 78 years), Hugo Broos (oldest winning coach at 74), Ismael Saibari (first African to score in three straight matches), Japan’s 4‑0 win over Tunisia (largest Asian margin), and Senegal’s 5‑0 victory over Iraq (first African five‑goal game). The tournament also saw 1,774 shots (Belgium leading with 73), 300,000 hot‑dogs sold (forming a 45 km line), and over 2.8 million beers consumed.