The opening match of the 2026 World Cup between Mexico and South Africa made history not only on the pitch but also in the stands.
A crowd of 80,824 fans packed Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, making it the best-attended World Cup opening match since 2010 and setting a 16-year record for a tournament opener.
In a remarkable coincidence, Mexico and South Africa had also faced each other in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. That game attracted 84,490 spectators, meaning the two nations have now met in two of the most attended opening matches in World Cup history.
Attendance at Recent World Cup Opening Matches
- 2026: Mexico vs South Africa — 80,824
- 2022: Qatar vs Ecuador — 67,372
- 2018: Russia vs Saudi Arabia — 78,011
- 2014: Brazil vs Croatia — 62,103
- 2010: South Africa vs Mexico — 84,490
The packed stands at Azteca offered an encouraging sign for the tournament’s overall attendance figures. However, surpassing the World Cup’s all-time average attendance record remains a difficult challenge.
Can 2026 Surpass the 1994 Record?
The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the United States, still holds the record for the highest average attendance in tournament history, drawing 68,991 spectators per match. It also attracted a record total attendance of 3.59 million fans.
Many analysts believe breaking that average attendance mark will be difficult because the stadiums used in 1994 were generally larger than those hosting matches in 2026.
Five of the nine venues used in 1994 had capacities exceeding 70,000 spectators, while the final was played at the nearly 92,000-seat Rose Bowl.
By comparison, only four of the 16 stadiums being used in 2026 can accommodate more than 70,000 fans. Azteca is the largest venue with a capacity of 80,824, while the tournament final will be played at MetLife Stadium, which can host 80,663 spectators.
A New Overall Attendance Record in Sight
While matching the 1994 average may be unlikely, the 2026 World Cup is well positioned to set a new record for total attendance.
With the tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches—double the number played in 1994—the competition has a strong chance of surpassing the all-time cumulative attendance record.
The atmosphere created by more than 80,000 fans at Azteca provided an early indication that the expanded World Cup could become the most attended tournament in football history.