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Record-Breaking Demand for Tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
FIFA, the international authority overseeing football, has announced an unprecedented surge in ticket requests for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with over 500 million applications submitted worldwide. This overwhelming interest comes despite ongoing debates surrounding the affordability of attending the event.
Global Enthusiasm Across All Member Nations
According to FIFA’s official statement released on January 14, fans from all 211 member associations spanning every continent participated in the ticket lottery for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The application period for tickets closed recently, and successful applicants will be notified starting February 5.
Top Countries and Matches Drawing the Most Attention
Outside the host countries, the highest volume of ticket requests originated from football powerhouses such as Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia. Among the most sought-after fixtures was the group stage match between Colombia and Portugal scheduled for June 27 in Miami. Close behind were Mexico’s encounter with South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and the grand finale set for July 19 in New Jersey.
FIFA President Comments on the Enthusiastic Response
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s President, expressed his gratitude for the extraordinary global enthusiasm: “Receiving half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is not merely high demand-it’s a powerful testament to football’s universal appeal. We deeply appreciate the passion of fans everywhere.” He also acknowledged the disappointment many will face, stating, “It is regrettable that we cannot accommodate every supporter inside the stadiums.”
Controversy Surrounding Ticket Pricing
Despite the massive interest, FIFA has encountered significant criticism over its ticket pricing for the expanded 48-team format. Supporters’ organizations, including Football Supporters Europe, have labeled the prices as excessively high-nearly five times the cost of tickets for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In response to these concerns, FIFA introduced a new category of affordable tickets priced at $60 (approximately €51) in December 2023, aiming to make the event more accessible to a broader audience.
Looking Ahead to a Historic World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and matches across 16 cities in three countries. This expansion is expected to attract millions of visitors and generate significant economic impact. With ticket demand soaring to record levels, the tournament promises to be a landmark celebration of global football, uniting fans from every corner of the world.
