FIFA announces record 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup, highlighting unprecedented global demand for matches across US, Canada, and Mexico

FIFA has revealed that more than 500 million ticket requests have been submitted for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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In a statement on Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that applications came from supporters across all 211 member associations.

The ticket application window, which operates through a lottery system, closed on Tuesday. Successful applicants will be notified from 5 February.

Outside the host nations, the highest demand came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.

FIFA reported that the most sought-after matches included Colombia versus Portugal in Miami on 27 June, Mexico against South Korea in Guadalajara on 18 June, and the World Cup final in New Jersey on 19 July.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the response as “overwhelming,” calling the half-a-billion requests “more than demand – it’s a global statement.”

He cautioned, however, that not all fans would be able to secure tickets.

The announcement comes amid criticism of ticket prices for the expanded 48-team tournament.

Supporters’ groups have argued that costs are nearly five times higher than those for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

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In response, FIFA offered a limited number of discounted tickets in December, priced at $60 (€51).