Record Demand for FIFA 2026 World Cup Tickets

FIFA has confirmed that applications for the 2026 World Cup have been submitted by fans from all 211 member associations. Among the countries with the highest number of applicants are host nations the United States, Mexico, and Canada, alongside football powerhouses such as Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.

The most sought-after match during this application phase is the fixture between Colombia and Portugal, scheduled to take place in Miami on June 27. Other highly anticipated matches include Mexico vs. Korea Republic in Guadalajara, the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, the tournament opener featuring Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, and a Round of 32 match in Toronto on July 2, expected to involve either Portugal or Colombia.

The scale of demand is remarkable. FIFA has already sold approximately two million tickets during presales conducted prior to the full schedule announcement and is believed to have around four to five million tickets still available for the 104-match tournament. Given that each application can cover one to four tickets, the over 500 million requests likely indicate interest in well over one billion individual tickets.

FIFA has cited this overwhelming demand as a validation of its pricing strategy; however, ticket prices have faced ongoing criticism from supporters, especially in North America. The costs associated with tickets across all stages of the tournament are considerably higher than those of previous World Cups, discouraging some fans while pushing others to seek tickets on the secondary market. Resale platforms such as StubHub and Vivid Seats currently feature listings for many matches well above face value, although prices may vary—particularly for less prestigious group-stage matches—as the tournament approaches.

FIFA has also confirmed that it conducted validation checks during the application process. Each request was linked to unique credit card data and was subject to household limits. Fans will begin receiving notification emails no earlier than February 5, with outcomes categorized as successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful. Those who do not secure tickets will have another opportunity when FIFA opens its last-minute sales phase closer to the tournament, with tickets offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Moreover, FIFA has emphasized that its official ticketing platform and resale marketplace are the only authorized channels for ticket purchases.

The 2026 World Cup is set to commence on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey, marking the largest tournament in FIFA’s history and, if early indications prove accurate, the most in-demand sporting event ever held.