FIFA has disclosed that ticket requests for the upcoming 2026 World Cup have surged to an astonishing 500 million, showcasing a tremendous level of interest from fans worldwide. This figure emerges as the application period for the lottery-based ticket distribution has officially concluded.
Supporters from all 211 FIFA member countries expressed their eagerness for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Applicants will be notified by February 5 at the earliest as the lottery allocation process begins.
Global Engagement From Fans
While hosts drew enthusiasm from local fans, the highest ticket request volume from abroad came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia. This enthusiasm highlights the World Cup’s universal allure.
The most sought-after match features Colombia facing Portugal in Miami on June 27, followed closely by Mexico's encounter with South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18. There was also significant interest in the World Cup final scheduled in New Jersey on July 19.
FIFA Acknowledges Fan Passion
FIFA President Gianni Infantino dubbed the influx of ticket requests as historic, stating: “Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement.” He expressed appreciation for the fans’ enthusiasm while recognizing the challenge posed by limited stadium capacity.
“Our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums,” he remarked, acknowledging the difficulty of accommodating such extraordinary interest.
Ticket Price Controversy
Despite the high demand, FIFA has come under scrutiny for its ticket pricing, with many fans describing the costs as “astronomical” and unattainable for the average football supporter. Observers noted that 2026 ticket prices are nearly five times those of the 2022 World Cup.
To mitigate these issues, FIFA rolled out a new category of affordable tickets in December, providing seats starting at $60 (approximately €51). This initiative aims to ensure accessibility for fans eager to attend the tournament.
A Milestone Event
The 2026 World Cup is set to be one of the largest football events ever held, attracting massive crowds globally. Even amidst ticket pricing debates, the record-setting number of applications indicates that fans remain keen to witness the event in person.
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