ROME (ITALPRESS) – The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has concluded spectacularly; this expanded edition of the most prestigious football tournament has already rewritten the record books and captivated fans in Canada, Mexico, the United States, and across the globe.

In just 17 days, the first-ever 48-team tournament united more nations, players, and fans than ever before, transforming 72 matches across 16 host cities into a celebration of global passion, excitement, and unforgettable football. Group stage statistics illustrate the tournament’s scale—extending far beyond the pitch to encompass every aspect of the fan experience, from the 4,644,549 spectators attending matches to the 300,000 hot dogs consumed.

To put the scale into perspective, if all the hot dogs sold were lined up end-to-end, they would cover the roughly 45-kilometer distance between New York New Jersey Stadium and JFK International Airport. With 1,248 players representing 48 nations—999 of whom played in the opening phase—and an unprecedented impact on the tournament, the first 17 days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have offered a powerful preview of what awaits fans of the teams advancing to the Round of 32.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews