World Cup 2026 attendance record shattered as group stage concludes

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already breaking records, with attendance figures surpassing 3.6 million spectators, exceeding the previous mark set in Qatar. This milestone was achieved before the tournament even entered the Round of 32.

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When we try to think about what does it mean to be American, this almost impossible question, one of the ways we might try and answer that is through music. What are the sounds that defined the American experience at different points in time?

While the traditional powerhouses from Europe and South America, like France and Argentina, have largely lived up to expectations with perfect group stage records, the tournament is also showcasing the growing strength of other confederations. Nine out of ten African teams advanced, with Morocco expressing ambitions of reaching the final, building on their 2022 semifinal appearance. The United States, under coach Mauricio Pochettino, is also aiming for a deep run, echoing the "win it all" mentality.

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It has to be something that people can sing along to. I think an American song needs to be communal.

Co-host Mexico has been a standout performer, winning all three of its group matches, a feat matched only by Argentina and France. This success highlights the diverse landscape of the tournament, with teams from various regions demonstrating competitive prowess and challenging established hierarchies. The group stage concluded with a high-scoring draw between Austria and Algeria, setting the stage for the intense knockout rounds.

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And beyond that, I think an American song can take a lot of different forms. I think it can be something that comments on society and our nation in some way.