FIFA has reported an overwhelming response for the initial phase of ticket applications for the 2026 World Cup, with more than 4.5 million requests submitted. A significant majority of these applications originated from the United States, one of the three host nations for the prestigious global tournament. This substantial demand was recorded by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) following the closure of the first lottery draw, which also involved considerations for travel and visa requirements for entry into the United States.
While the United States accounted for the largest portion of these early requests, co-host nations Mexico and Canada also saw considerable interest from prospective attendees. FIFA, however, did not specify the exact number of ticket applications received from these two countries during this initial sales period.
The first application window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets was open from September 9 to September 19. Notifications regarding successful applications and the eligibility to purchase tickets, particularly concerning visa and travel stipulations for the United States, were issued between September 29 and October 1.
According to FIFA’s established regulations, individuals are permitted to purchase a maximum of four tickets per specific match. Furthermore, an overarching limit has been set, restricting any single applicant from acquiring more than 40 tickets for the entire duration of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Looking ahead, the second phase for submitting ticket applications for the 2026 World Cup is slated to begin on October 27. Prospective buyers can expect to receive announcements regarding their eligibility to purchase tickets from mid-November through early December. A potential third ticket sales window may also open in early December, strategically timed to coincide with the official FIFA draw, where the 48 qualified nations will be sorted into their respective groups for the final round of the competition.
Regarding pricing, tickets for group stage matches across the host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – are projected to start at approximately $60. It is anticipated that these prices will escalate significantly as the tournament progresses, with tickets for the much-coveted final match potentially commanding a price of up to $6,730.
The current ticketing strategy for the 2026 World Cup reflects a system designed to meet dynamic market demand, underscoring the high perceived value and global appeal of the tournament. Beyond the enthusiastic response from the host nations, a substantial volume of ticket applications has been received from citizens of various countries worldwide. Noteworthy nations with high demand include England, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and Italy, among others, demonstrating the truly international excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup.
