U.S. Men’s National Team Draws 90,000 Fans in Texas, Setting Attendance Record
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) drew a crowd of 90,000 fans for its 2023 friendly match against Honduras at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, according to U.S. Soccer Federation data. This marked the largest attendance for a men’s international soccer match in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record of 82,000 set during a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
Event Details and Context
The game, held on October 14, 2023, was part of the USMNT’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Toyota Stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000, sold out days in advance, with additional fans accommodated in overflow seating and parking lots. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Jordan Morris and Honduras’ Luis Vázquez.
Previous Attendance Records
The previous U.S. men’s international attendance record was set during a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, according to ESPN. That game drew 82,000 fans. The Frisco match surpassed this figure, highlighting the growing popularity of men’s soccer in the U.S.
Significance for U.S. Soccer
The high turnout underscores the sport’s rising mainstream appeal, driven by the success of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the U.S. men’s team’s performance in recent tournaments. “This attendance reflects the passion of American soccer fans and the importance of hosting major international events,” said U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone in a statement.
Comparison to Other International Matches
The Frisco crowd outpaced the 70,000 who attended a 2022 friendly between the U.S. and Argentina at Allegiant Stadium. However, it remains below the 114,000 who watched the 1994 FIFA World Cup final at the Rose Bowl, a record for a single soccer match in the U.S.
Future Implications
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the U.S. is expected to host multiple high-profile matches, which could further boost attendance. The success of the Honduras game has already prompted discussions about expanding stadium capacity for future events, according to stadium officials.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Men’s National Team drew 90,000 fans for a 2023 match against Honduras, setting a new attendance record.
- The previous record of 82,000 was set during a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Mexico.
- The event highlighted the growing popularity of men’s soccer in the U.S., driven by MLS and the national team’s performance.
- Future World Cup matches could further increase attendance and stadium demand.