The upcoming 2026 men's soccer World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to achieve unprecedented levels of attendance, significantly surpassing previous records. This anticipated success is largely attributed to the substantial immigrant communities residing in these host nations, whose passion for the sport provides a powerful boost to spectator numbers. The tournament aims to capitalize on the historical achievements of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., which defied initial skepticism to set lasting attendance benchmarks, by harnessing the vibrant and diverse populations that now call these countries home.
When the United States first secured the rights to host the men’s soccer World Cup in 1988, there was considerable doubt. Many questioned whether a nation without a deeply entrenched soccer culture could attract substantial crowds or generate significant interest. Critics believed that a sport perceived as incompatible with American ideals of rugged individualism would largely go unnoticed.
However, the 1994 World Cup proved the skeptics wrong. That tournament established new records for both average attendance (68,991 spectators per match) and overall attendance (3,587,538), figures that have remained unsurpassed for 32 years. This achievement is particularly remarkable given that the 1994 event featured only 24 teams and 52 matches, compared to the current 32-team, 64-match format, and the expanded 48-team, 104-match structure planned for 2026.
Several factors contributed to the 1994 attendance boom, and these elements continue to drive enthusiasm for the sport. Firstly, the sheer size of the United States, with a population of approximately 260 million in 1994, meant that even a small percentage of soccer enthusiasts translated into massive crowds. Secondly, Americans have a strong affinity for major events, akin to their embrace of the Olympic Games. This was evident in the recent 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup, where U.S. cities successfully hosted several matches despite cricket having a relatively niche following in the country. Lastly, a significant portion of the U.S. population has grown up playing youth soccer, fostering a baseline appreciation for the sport.
However, the most crucial factor in boosting attendance, both historically and for the upcoming tournament, is immigration. The United States has always been a nation of immigrants, and this demographic reality profoundly impacts soccer viewership. In 1994, foreign-born individuals constituted 8.7% of the U.S. population, totaling 22.5 million. Before the advent of widespread streaming services, establishments like Summers in Arlington, Virginia, would install multiple satellite dishes to broadcast games from around the world, attracting diverse groups of fans for different international leagues and tournaments. Today, the foreign-born population in the U.S. has exceeded 50 million, a number greater than Spain's entire population and over 15 times that of Qatar, the previous World Cup host. Co-host Canada also boasts a high percentage of foreign-born residents, with over 16 million. While Mexico, the third host, has a lower foreign-born population, its deep-seated passion for soccer ensures strong local support.
Certain host cities are poised to become focal points for specific national fan bases. For instance, Los Angeles, with an Iranian population estimated between 220,000 and nearly 1 million, will host two of Iran’s group-stage matches, guaranteeing fervent support. Similarly, Brazil’s games in New Jersey and Miami will draw heavily from the significant Brazilian communities in these regions, including over 150,000 Brazilians in Florida alone. Haiti will play a game in Atlanta, reaching its substantial diaspora, while Ecuador’s match in New Jersey will be accessible to an estimated 82,000 Ecuadorians living in Queens. Boston, with its historical ties to Ireland, will also provide a strong base of support for Scotland.
Conversely, some national teams may find themselves playing far from their largest expatriate communities. Cape Verde, a surprising qualifier, will not play near Boston, home to an estimated 70,000 Cape Verdeans, unless they advance significantly in the tournament. South Korea, despite having large fan bases in California and New York, will play its group matches in Mexico. Portugal’s games in Houston and Miami will miss the large Portuguese populations concentrated in Massachusetts and New Jersey. The final match on July 19 in New Jersey promises a cacophony of support from the more than 800 languages spoken in the New York metropolitan area, underscoring the truly global nature of the event.
