The group stage alone set an attendance record for any World Cup, as fans from around the world traveled to the United States to see their teams play.Local fans turned out in full force as well, with neutral fans spending gigantic sums of money on tickets just to see the top level of international soccer.Ratings have been massive, with the U.S.
men's national team breaking records for most-watched English-language soccer broadcast during their loss to Belgium.USA-BELGIUM BECOMES MOST-WATCHED SOCCER TELECAST IN US HISTORY WITH STAGGERING VIEWERSHIP NUMBERSUnited States' Folarin Balogun (20) and United States' Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)One of the changes to the format in 2026 was the expansion to 48 teams from the traditional 32.
While many purists were skeptical, for the most part, it's been viewed as a success.Though it limits the likelihood of a major tournament favorite going out in the Group Stage, it's allowed smaller countries to participate and in some cases, become surprising fan-favorites.
Cape Verde, for example, not only advanced past the first round, but pushed Argentina to the brink.And FIFA, an organization never shy about looking to enhance its financial picture, wants to take advantage.Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, acknowledged that discussions will start immediately about future expansion."This is certainly an issue that will be looked at and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup," he told Swiss broadcaster Blue Sport when asked about reports of a 64-team format.
"When you organize a World Cup, it's important that you organize it for the whole world.It's not just Europe and South America, but the entire world, effectively.
Every nation should be able to dream of taking part in the World Cup."We can see that...