500 million applications for 2026 World Cup tickets: Details of the historic demand
FIFA has set a new record in the history of the World Cup, announcing that it received more than 500 million applications for tickets to the 2026 World Cup. This huge turnout came during the 33-day application period, which officially ended on January 13, reflecting the growing global passion for the biggest football event on Earth.
An exceptional edition with the participation of 48 teams
FIFA explained in its official statement that this edition of the tournament is special and historic, as it will be the first to be co-hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Furthermore, the tournament will see a significant expansion in the number of participating teams, increasing to 48 from 32, which has heightened the excitement of fans worldwide to see their national teams compete in this global event.
The federation noted that applications poured in from fans in all 211 member countries and regions of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA). To ensure the integrity of the process, each application was meticulously verified using unique credit card data, with the daily application rate reaching approximately 15 million, a figure reflecting the high expectations for the tournament's success, both in terms of audience engagement and marketing.
Most requested countries and anticipated matches
In detailing the geographical distribution of applications, FIFA revealed that, in addition to the three host countries (the United States, Mexico, and Canada), several footballing nations topped the list of those requesting the most tickets, including Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia. This geographical diversity in applications underscores football's status as a sport that unites people across continents.
In the context of the specific matches, the statement noted that the most anticipated match, which received the highest number of requests, is the group stage match between Colombia and Portugal, scheduled to be held in Miami on June 27, indicating the large community and widespread interest in these two teams in that region.
Ticket distribution mechanism and announcement dates
In the interest of transparency, FIFA announced that all fans will be notified of the results of their applications via email no later than February 5th. Since the demand far exceeded the available supply, a random lottery system will be used to allocate tickets fairly among applicants.
For fans who are not lucky in this stage, FIFA confirmed that the opportunity still exists, as another stage for selling tickets will be launched at the last minute shortly before the start of the tournament, and this stage will be based on the principle of “first come, first served” in purchasing.
A safe market and protection for fans
In closing, FIFA emphasized the importance of using official channels, noting that it operates an official ticket resale and exchange marketplace exclusively for eligible ticket holders. This platform aims to protect fans from fraud and the black market, and is subject to all applicable federal and local regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to the 2026 World Cup.
