Half a billion chase world cup 2026 dream, according to FIFA
Anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is accelerating worldwide as fans compete for seats at the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
According to a media release published on FIFA.com on 14 January 2026, more than 500 million ticket requests were submitted during the initial Random Selection Draw phase. The sales window opened on 11 December 2025 and closed on 13 January 2026.
Worldwide demand spans 211 Member Associations
FIFA stated that applications were received from residents in all 211 FIFA Member Associations, highlighting the scale of global interest in the tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The governing body reported an average of roughly 15 million ticket requests per day over the 33 day period. Each request was validated using unique credit card information to comply with ticketing regulations.
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The 2026 competition will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries and the first to include 48 national teams, expanding both the match schedule and the number of available seats compared with previous tournaments.
High profile fixtures drive early surge
Beyond the three host nations, the largest volume of applications came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia, according to FIFA.
The group stage match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami on 27 June generated the strongest demand during this phase. Other matches drawing heavy interest included Mexico against Korea Republic in Guadalajara on 18 June, the final in New York New Jersey on 19 July, the opening game featuring Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on 11 June, and a round of 32 match in Toronto on 2 July.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the response as historic. “Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response,” he said in the organisation’s statement.
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Allocation process and travel considerations
Now that the application window has closed, FIFA Ticketing will review submissions to ensure they meet eligibility rules and household limits. If requests exceed available tickets for a specific match, allocations will be decided through a random draw.
Applicants will receive confirmation emails no earlier than 5 February. Those who are successful, whether fully or partially, will have payment processed automatically. Supporters who are unsuccessful will have another chance to purchase remaining tickets during the later sales phase, when seats are offered on a first come, first served basis.
FIFA also noted that holding a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the United States, Mexico or Canada. Fans are advised to consult official government sources regarding visa and entry requirements before making travel plans.
In its recent financial reports, FIFA has stated that the majority of revenue generated by the World Cup is reinvested into football development programmes across its Member Associations.
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Sources: FIFA.com
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