West Ham obliterate all-time English attendance record in EFL Cup win over Portsmouth

West Ham United obliterated the all-time EFL Cup first-round attendance record during their 3-1 victory over Portsmouth at the start of the 2026-27 season.

Despite suffering a disappointing relegation from the Premier League in 2025-26, 53,369 fans attended their opening game of the new campaign, smashing the previous all-time record set by Leeds United.

West Ham smash EFL Cup first-round attendance record

West Ham United's 3-1 EFL Cup first-round victory against Portsmouth at the London Stadium was attended by 53,369 supporters, smashing the previous record set by Leeds United in August 2023 by over 18,000.

The attendance, which included almost 9,000 travelling Portsmouth supporters, generated a lively atmosphere for the first competitive fixture of their respective 2026-27 seasons.

In a statement announcing the attendance record, West Ham United thanked every fan who attended the record-breaking match, while also acknowledging the incredible loyalty from the Hammers supporters who watched their team suffer top-flight relegation last season.

The Hammers briefly looked set to endure further disappointment on the record-breaking day as they fell behind to an Adrian Segecic goal, but a brace from Taty Castellanos and superb strike from Jarrod Bowen sealed the 3-1 victory.

FGG Says: Brilliant loyalty on display

West Ham United fans have had to endure plenty of heartbreak in recent seasons, from the ongoing displeasure of leaving their beloved Upton Park to play at the London Stadium to suffering shock relegation from the Premier League last season.

However, the West Ham supporters continue to show their loyalty despite the difficulties, turning up in record-breaking numbers at the start of what they will hope turns out to be a much more positive campaign.