FIFA received half a billion ticket request for 2026 World Cup during application window

Martin Macdonald

• 15 Jan 2026 05:15 CST
• 6 min read

Nieuws

FIFA claims to have received 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during the now-closed application window.

The next World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer and despite complaints about exorbitant ticket prices due to the dynamic pricing structure in place, the tournament's organising body has reportedly received a record amount of applications.

From the point the fixture schedule was released in the middle of December until Tuesday, 13 January, supporters had the opportunity to apply for tickets for specific matches.

“Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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A post shared by Gianni Infantino - FIFA President (@gianni_infantino)

“Knowing how much this tournament means to people around the world, our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums. That is why we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 – through a wide range of fan experiences beyond the stadiums, both in person and online – so that as many people as possible can share in what will be the biggest sporting event ever staged.”

According to FIFA, the most requested matches were:

1. Colombia vs. Portugal

2. Mexico vs. Korea Republic

3. The World Cup final

4. Mexico vs. South Africa (the World Cup opener)

5. The round-of-32 match in Toronto on July 2, which potentially could feature either Portugal or Colombia vs. the runner-up in England’s group

FIFA's boast about the amount of application received comes as fans baulk at the price of tickets. Group stage matches are, on average, three times as expensive as the last World Cup, while the cheapest ticket for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is £3,119.

Also, for the first time in the history of the tournament, fans will be expected to pay to access fanzones in some cities which have been free since the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

In February, fans will find out in a ballot if they are successful in their applications.

That could then lead to a spike on prices on resale websites as fans will be even more desperate to get tickets for a specific fixture if they were initially unsuccessful.

Supporter Entry Tier tickets

FIFA previously announced a new Supporter Entry Tier that will see ticket prices capped at $60 for fans of qualified countries.

"The entry tier tickets will be allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with the selection and distribution process managed individually by the Participating Member Associations (PMAs)," FIFA confirmed.

"Each PMA will define its own eligibility criteria and application process. They are requested to ensure that these tickets are specifically allocated to loyal fans who are closely connected to their national teams."

FIFA says that only 10 per cent of the allocated PMA tickets will be in the Supporter Entry Tier. 40 per cent will be sold in a "Value Tier," with prices roughly corresponding to the Category 3 tickets available to the general public (around $265 for a group stage game).

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