The FIFA World Cup attendance record has surpassed 50 million spectators, marking a historic milestone during the tournament’s Round of 16 match between Spain and Portugal.

DALLAS: The FIFA World Cup attendance has surpassed 50 million spectators for the first time in the tournament’s history, reaching a cumulative total of 50,020,653 during the Round of 16 clash between Spain and Portugal at Dallas Stadium in the United States.

FIFA announced that the milestone was achieved during the match, which saw Spain secure a 1-0 victory over Portugal in front of 70,649 fans. The tournament has now welcomed 6,071,923 spectators across 93 matches, with 11 fixtures still to be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

To celebrate the historic occasion, FIFA honoured Immi Khan from Fort Worth, Texas, as the 50 millionth spectator in FIFA World Cup history. He received a commemorative gift presented by football legends Carles Puyol of Spain and Portugal’s Pepe, recognising the landmark achievement for the global game.

The record highlights the enduring worldwide appeal of the FIFA World Cup, which continues to attract millions of supporters from across the globe. Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, the competition has grown into one of the world’s biggest sporting events, drawing record crowds both inside stadiums and through global broadcasts.

With the tournament entering its final stages, organisers expect attendance figures to continue rising as fans gather to watch the remaining matches. The latest achievement reflects the growing popularity of international football and the tournament’s ability to unite supporters from different countries and cultures through a shared passion for the sport. As the competition continues, the FIFA World Cup attendance milestone stands as another reminder of football’s unmatched global reach and enduring popularity.