World Cup 2026 Draws 4.6 Million Fans as Democrats Reassess Hopes of a Trump-Era Flop
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
World Cup 2026 Draws 4.6 Million Fans as Democrats Reassess Hopes of a Trump-Era Flop
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 30
Summary
More than 4.6 million fans attended World Cup 2026 matches through the group stage, topping the previous 3.5 million tournament record and underscoring a strong start in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Politico reported Democrats were left to “grapple uncomfortably” with the event’s success after some on the left had expected logistical problems and weak foreign turnout under President Donald Trump.
Rob Flaherty, a Democratic strategist, said there had been “liberal wishcasting” that the tournament might become a disaster “to sort of stick it to Trump,” but added that “it hasn’t yet been.”
Rep. Brendan Boyle called the World Cup a “remarkable success” and praised foreign fans’ engagement with Americans, while still arguing Trump’s immigration policies had scared some visitors away.
Viral scenes of Dutch, Scottish, Norwegian and German supporters celebrating across US cities have reinforced the broader picture: the tournament is generating positive buzz with weeks of matches still to play.