The 2026 World Cup has seen high attendance numbers, with over 2.85 million spectators attending the first 44 matches. The average stadium has been about 99.6% full, according to a Reuters analysis based on FIFA data.
High Prices Not a Deterrent
Experts say that the high attendance numbers are not necessarily a reflection of America’s fondness for soccer, but rather a measure of its love of spectacle. Despite high ticket prices, with some tickets costing as much as $450, fans have been flocking to the events.
The World Cup has also seen a strong performance in terms of revenue, with FIFA forecasting over $3 billion in revenue from ticket sales and hospitality rights. This number could potentially climb as high as $4 billion, according to some experts.
Immigration Restrictions
Some observers have noted that fan engagement could have been even stronger if not for the Trump administration’s travel restrictions, which have hindered the ability of some fans to travel to the US for the tournament.
Despite these restrictions, the World Cup has still seen a strong turnout, with many fans attending the events and participating in FIFA fan festivals. These festivals have been hosted in various cities across the US, including Dallas and San Jose.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
