The 2026 World Cup has set a new all-time attendance record for the men's tournament, surpassing the previous record of 3,587,538 set during the 1994 World Cup – and the group stages have only just ended, according to FIFA.
Record-breaking attendance and fan creativity
As ever, fans have brought colour and fun to the tournament – from Mexico's duck mascot to Norway's Viking rowers, with plenty more in between. The creativity and emotion shown by supporters of each nation have been captured in a series of images from matches and watch parties across the globe.
Group A: Czechia, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea
Fans from these nations displayed vibrant outfits and passionate support, with Mexican fans notably donning sombreros and face paint, while South Korean supporters waved large flags in unison.
Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Qatar, Switzerland
Canadian fans brought hockey-inspired chants, while Qatari supporters showcased traditional attire. Swiss fans waved red-and-white flags with precision.
Group C: Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, Scotland
Brazilian fans samba-danced in the stands, Haitian supporters wore colourful headdresses, Moroccan fans created a sea of red, and Scottish fans brought bagpipes and kilts.
Group D: Australia, Paraguay, Turkey, United States
Australian fans wore green and gold, Paraguayans displayed traditional lace, Turkish supporters waved giant flags, and US fans showed stars and stripes pride.
Group E: Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador, Germany
Ivorian fans beat drums, Curaçao supporters wore bright blue, Ecuadorians donned masks, and German fans organized choreographed displays.
Group F: Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Tunisia
Japanese fans cleaned up after matches, Dutch fans wore orange from head to toe, Swedes brought Viking horns, and Tunisian supporters waved red flags.
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Belgian fans wore devil costumes, Egyptians displayed pharaonic headdresses, Iranians waved green, white, and red, and New Zealanders performed the haka.
Group H: Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay
Cape Verdean fans danced to funaná, Saudis wore thobes, Spaniards waved red and yellow, and Uruguayans celebrated with mate tea.
Group I: France, Iraq, Norway, Senegal
French fans waved tricolours, Iraqis showed unity, Norwegians wore Viking helmets, and Senegalese supporters drummed and danced.
Group J: Algeria, Austria, Argentina, Jordan
Algerian fans waved green flags, Austrians wore lederhosen, Argentinians brought confetti, and Jordanians displayed keffiyehs.
Group K: Colombia, DR Congo, Portugal, Uzbekistan
Colombian fans danced salsa, DR Congo supporters wore leopard prints, Portuguese fans waved green and red, and Uzbeks showcased traditional hats.
Group L: Croatia, England, Ghana, Panama
Croatian fans wore checkered patterns, English supporters sang anthems, Ghanaians waved black stars, and Panamanians celebrated with drums.
According to FIFA, the attendance record reflects the global passion for the tournament. The images were sourced from AP, AFP/Getty Images, EPA, Fifa/Getty Images, Getty Images, and Reuters.
