FIFA World Cup 2026 becomes most-attended edition in tournament history

New Jersey [US], June 26 (HBTV): The FIFA World Cup 2026 set a new attendance record on Thursday, June 25 (local time), during the Group E match between Germany and Ecuador, becoming the highest-attended edition in the tournament's history by surpassing the 1994 record of 3,587,538 spectators, according to FIFA.

The milestone was confirmed during the second half of the match at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, when the stadium screens displayed a new cumulative attendance record of 3,605,357.

FIFA said on its website, 'Fifty-six matches in, FIFA World Cup 2026 has already broken the aggregate attendance record for a FIFA World Cup at any stage - the previous record was 3,587,538 at USA 1994.'

In the Group E clash, Ecuador produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets by defeating four-time champions Germany 2-1 to secure qualification for the Round of 32.

Germany made a flying start, taking the lead inside two minutes through Leroy Sane, who finished clinically from a Florian Wirtz assist. The goal stood after a VAR review despite Ecuador's protests over a possible foul in the build-up involving Aleksandar Pavlovic and Pedro Vite. The strike, scored in the 1st minute and 49th second, became the second-fastest goal in Germany's World Cup history.

Ecuador responded strongly and equalised in the ninth minute when Nilson Angulo unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat Manuel Neuer. The teams went into half-time level at 1-1, with Ecuador matching Germany's intensity through aggressive pressing and quick transitions.

The decisive moment came in the 77th minute from a corner, when Kevin Rodriguez won an aerial duel and Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range. Despite sustained German pressure and seven minutes of added time, Ecuador defended resolutely to preserve their lead.

The victory sealed Ecuador's place in the knockout stage, marking only the second time the South American nation has progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, equalling its achievement in 2006.