FIFA announced on Monday that it has received more than 150 million requests for tickets for the 2026 World Cup during the sales phase opened on the 11th, the highest demand in the history of the competition.
The number of requests from fans from more than 200 countries represents a demand 30 times greater than the number of tickets available and is also 3.4 times greater than the total number of spectators present at the 964 matches of the 22 previous editions of the World Cup held since 1930.
FIFA breaks historic record with millions of ticket requests
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted that the demand 30 times greater than the supply of tickets in the first 15 days of sales is “a sign of the incredible interest that has been aroused among fans in more than 200 countries.”
“This overwhelming response from fans reflects the passion the world feels for soccer. There is no doubt that we will make history in North America by bringing together people from all over the planet in an unprecedented celebration of unity and the best soccer,” added Infantino, speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai on Monday.
FIFA recalled that the current process will be open until Tuesday, January 13 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET) -FIFA.com/tickets- and that a draw will be held after its closure to ensure equal opportunities for all fans.
Those who are unlucky in the draw will have another chance to get tickets in the next phases as more seats go on sale.
He also confirmed that ticket prices will remain unchanged throughout this sales phase and that fans of qualified teams will have access to a special category, priced at US$60 for all 104 matches, including the final.
“FIFA, as a non-profit organization, reinvests the revenue generated by the World Cup in order to promote the growth of men’s, women’s and youth soccer in the 211 member federations. FIFA expects to shift 90% of its budgeted investments for the 2023-2026 cycle to soccer, with the aim of boosting the development of the sport worldwide,” he said.
The World Cup will be held from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19, 2026 in 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, where 104 matches will be played with the participation of 48 teams for the first time.
Filed under: FIFA breaks historic record
With information from EFE