2026 FIFA World Cup records attendance surge while Scotland exits group

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, set a new attendance record of 3,605,357 spectators during the group stage, surpassing expectations despite concerns over ticket prices and lower‑profile games. Organisers highlighted the capacity of the large venues chosen in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the final slated for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, which can hold over 82,000 fans.

Scotland’s campaign ended in disappointment. After a narrow 1‑0 win over Haiti, the team lost 0‑1 to Morocco and suffered a 0‑3 defeat by Brazil, leaving them with a single point and a 0.05 % chance of advancing. The poor results continued a historic pattern of group‑stage eliminations for the Scottish side.