The 2026 World Cup is making history—and not just on the pitch.
Long before the knockout stages have even concluded, this year’s tournament has already broken the all-time World Cup attendance record, with millions of supporters packing stadiums across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Among those helping create the unforgettable atmosphere have been Lionel Messi and Scotland’s famous Tartan Army.
A Record-Breaking Tournament
The expanded 48-team World Cup has attracted unprecedented crowds, setting a new attendance record for the competition.
Before a ball was kicked, some critics questioned whether North America could generate the atmosphere associated with previous World Cups.
Instead, packed stadiums, vibrant fan zones and huge travelling support have made the tournament one of the most successful in FIFA history.
Messi Continues to Fill Stadiums
As expected, Lionel Messi has remained one of the tournament’s biggest attractions.
Every Argentina match has drawn enormous crowds, with supporters travelling from across the world for what could be the final World Cup appearance of one of football’s greatest-ever players.
His popularity has once again proven to be one of the driving forces behind the tournament’s record-breaking attendance figures.
The Tartan Army’s Incredible Impact
Scotland may have exited the tournament, but their supporters have become one of the stories of the World Cup.
From Boston to Miami, thousands of Scotland fans transformed city centres into seas of blue, creating the carnival atmosphere for which the Tartan Army is famous.
Their singing, humour and support attracted widespread praise from fans, local residents and international media throughout the tournament.
Even after Scotland’s elimination, the travelling support has been recognised as one of the standout fanbases at the World Cup.
USA Answers the Critics
Questions were raised before the tournament about whether football could capture the imagination of American audiences.
Those doubts have now been firmly answered.
Record attendances, sold-out stadiums and huge television audiences have underlined the success of the tournament, with the United States playing a central role in delivering one of the biggest World Cups ever staged.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 World Cup has already rewritten the record books.
Lionel Messi has continued to draw huge crowds wherever he plays, while Scotland’s Tartan Army has helped create one of the tournament’s most memorable atmospheres.
Together, they have played their part in a World Cup that has made a mockery of the doubters and become the best-attended tournament in history.
