FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage draws 4.64 million fans, Trump hails record attendance
New York, June 29
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage drew 4,645,449 fans, marking unprecedented global attendance as the group stages of the tournament concluded on Saturday.
An Instagram post by FIFA celebrated the milestone with the message "More fans than ever before," highlighting the tournament's record-breaking popularity.
US President Donald Trump also praised the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as it has recorded "far greater numbers than any World Cup in history", and called it a tribute to the United States.
He thanked everyone involved and highlighted the tournament's unprecedented success and record-breaking attendance in the country.
"The FIFA Numbers are far greater than any World Cup in History. This is a Great Tribute to the United States of America. Thank you to all! President DONALD J. TRUMP," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
As the group stages concluded, Stephen Eustaquio's last-gasp strike sealed a hard-fought victory for co-hosts Canada over South Africa in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to move into the last 16 of the World Cup for the first time, in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Jesse Marsch's side will now face the winner of the Netherlands vs Morocco at Houston Stadium. Eustaquio has fired Canada to victory with a winning goal in the 92nd minute.
Despite the defeat, South Africa exited the tournament with pride after reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their history.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Trump taking credit for FIFA attendance? 😅 The World Cup has always been massive globally. Happy for Canada though, first time in Round of 16 - that's a real underdog story!
South Africa exiting with pride after reaching knockouts for first time - that's true spirit! We could learn from them. India needs better grassroots football development. Hope we see India in 2030 or 2034. 🙏
Trump claiming credit for FIFA's success is peak politician move. The expanded format with 48 teams is clearly working for attendance numbers. Canada's win over South Africa was a nail-biter!
While attendance records are impressive, let's not forget the human cost - stadiums built with migrant labor, displacement of communities. Football should be about passion, not politics and corporate profits.
Canada vs Netherlands or Morocco in Round of 16 - either way it's going to be epic! Eustaquio's 92nd minute winner reminded me of the 2011 Cricket World Cup final thrill. World Cup magic is real! 🏆
As an Indian football fan, I watch every World Cup with mixed feelings. We have the population but
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