On June 8, a unique spectacle unfolded: The United States opened the 2026 World Cup against Mexico at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It was the first time a host nation played on U.S. soil, and the attendance broke records, marking a milestone for soccer in North America.
Key fact: the official attendance was 78 342 spectators, the highest attendance for a tournament opener in World Cup history.
This match not only opened the group stage but also showcased the capacity of North American stadiums to host large-scale events and create a vibrant atmosphere.
Below is a table with the most relevant data from the opening match:
Concept | Value |
|---|---|
Date | June 8, 2026 |
Stadium | MetLife Stadium (NJ, USA) |
Attendance | 78 342 spectators |
Result | USA 1 – 0 Mexico |
Top scorer | Christian Pulisic (EE. UU.) |
Main referee | Michael Oliver (ENG) |
Remember that the maximum capacity of MetLife is 82 000 people; the figure reached reflects the high demand and enthusiasm of the American public for soccer.
1
100%