The biggest World Cup ever: 6.8m fans, $9bn-plus revenue — and FIFA already wants 64 teams

The numbers are in

The total attendance for the 2026 World Cup, which ended in New Jersey on July 19, was 6,810,966. According to FIFA's official count, that is the most in World Cup history, roughly double the previous record set at the 1994 tournament in the United States. The final itself packed 80,663 into MetLife Stadium, a sellout.

What "a record" actually means

Much of that record comes from playing more games. This was the first World Cup with 48 teams, and the schedule grew from 64 matches to 104. The average crowd was about 65,000 per match — a touch below the roughly 69,000 average of the 1994 edition, which was played in large American stadiums. What stands out is not the per-match average but how full the venues were: occupancy ran near 99 percent. The fair reading is that the total was a record because there were more matches, the per-match average was not an all-time high, and the seats were almost always filled.

The money broke records more clearly

Revenue is where the jump is sharpest. FIFA is estimated to have taken in more than $9 billion from the tournament, described as the most lucrative sporting event ever. Expanding from 32 to 48 teams and 104 matches lifted broadcasting, sponsorship and ticket income together. Prize money hit a high too: $871 million shared among the 48 nations. Champion Spain received $50 million, up from the $42 million Argentina earned for winning in Qatar in 2022; runners-up Argentina took $33 million. Tickets averaged close to $900, with some reported above $10,000.

Three countries, 16 cities, fans crossing borders

This was also the first World Cup hosted by three nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — across 16 cities. Earlier tournaments sat inside one country; this time supporters moved across international borders to follow matches. Away from the stadiums, free Fan Festivals drew more than 5.5 million people in total, with Mexico City topping 200,000 in a single day. FIFA estimates the tournament generated about $40.9 billion in economic activity worldwide. On the pitch, the expanded 48-team field gave room to newcomers: Cape Verde reached the knockout rounds on their debut.

Next up: 64 teams

On the back of that revenue, FIFA is already moving to expand again. Infantino has floated growing the 2030 edition to 64 teams, and FIFA has announced $2.7 billion for its FIFA Forward 4.0 development program across 211 member associations from 2027 to 2030. The pattern — more teams, more matches, more income — showed up plainly in this tournament's figures. But bigger events also draw criticism over congested calendars and heavier loads on players. Whether the 64-team plan is formally approved, and when, has not been decided.