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World Cup draws record crowds
The 2026 World Cup set an attendance record after FIFA released figures showing the first 36 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada attracted a total of 2,307,947 spectators.
“the first 36 matches of the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada attracted a total of 2,307,947 spectators”
The China.org.cn report said that total equates to an average attendance of 64,100 per match, with stadium occupancy standing at 99.54 percent of total capacity.
The same article noted that empty seats were visible during television broadcasts even as the overall turnout remained high.
China.org.cn also said the strong turnout came despite concerns over expensive ticket prices and travel difficulties faced by supporters from some participating nations.
Ronaldo absence reshapes plans
Diario AS reported that Cristiano Ronaldo’s left calf injury could keep him sidelined for several weeks, and said Al Nassr canceled its China tour after the injury.
The Spanish outlet said the news affects the expected development of a friendly between Al Nassr and Inter Miami, while the Florida side travels this week to Saudi Arabia to face Al Hilal.
Diario AS framed the situation around the possibility of a match without Ronaldo, writing that suspicions of a friendly without the Madeira man could turn out to be the worst-case scenarios for the interests of that encounter.
The report also described Ronaldo as having not been injured since April 2022, totaling 650 days without suffering an issue of that kind.
China’s fans latch onto stars
With China absent from the FIFA World Cup 2026, IndulgExpress said referee Ma Ning has emerged as the nation’s unlikely football hero on the global stage and described him as the “Card Master.”
“nicknamed the "Card Master," the 46-year-old has become only the second Chinese referee to officiate a FIFA World Cup match”
IndulgExpress added that the 46-year-old has become only the second Chinese referee to officiate a FIFA World Cup match.
The South China Morning Post described a Brooklyn viewing room where fans sang Portugal’s national anthem before a match against DR Congo, and quoted Zhai Yibo saying, “Hopefully, one day I can sing the Chinese national song in a World Cup stadium,”.
The South China Morning Post also said China’s national team has not played in tournament for 24 years, and that supporters follow the world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official.
