Record attendance at the 2026 World Cup in the USA despite high ticket prices

The 2026 World Cup in the United States is drawing record crowds despite high ticket prices and travel restrictions related to Trump administration policies. According to a Reuters analysis based on FIFA data, attendance exceeded 2.85 million for the first 44 matches, and the average stadium occupancy was around 99.6%. "Americans like big events," said Dan Rascher, a sports economics expert at the University of San Francisco. "They want to witness great moments." This year's tournament is larger than previous ones, with 104 matches, which significantly exceeds the 64 matches of previous editions. The current record of about 3.5 million viewers was set in 1994, the last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup. Large U.S. stadiums are helping to achieve those numbers, and according to FIFA reports and a Reuters analysis, this year's venues are fuller in percentage terms than at almost every World Cup this century except Germany 2006. Even though soccer is not as popular in the U.S. as in countries like Brazil and Germany and ticket prices have never been higher, Americans don't want to miss the global spectacle.  FIFA introduced a dynamic pricing model for the first time, changing ticket prices depending on demand. A last-minute ticket for the Paraguay-Australia match, for example, cost $450, and prices on the secondary market were even higher. TicketData, which tracks resale prices, reported average entry prices of $798. FIFA has faced criticism for this pricing strategy, but a spokesman for the organization said it was in line with market demand and "aligned with industry trends." The event attracts not only Americans but also tourists from around the world, even though the Trump administration's policies have restricted citizens of some countries from traveling to the US. "The American consumer is willing to pay for what they perceive to be a premium sporting event," said John Grady, a sports management professor at the University of South Carolina. Additional attractions such as FIFA fan festivals are also drawing crowds, which bodes well for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. "It shows global fans that the United States can put on a great event," Grady concluded.