THE demand for 2026 World Cup is so high that over five million tickets have been requested just one full day into the process, according to FIFA.
There have been complaints about the high prices of the tickets for the tournament scheduled for the United States of America, Mexico and Canada next year, with some seats going for well over $5,000.
“Just 24 hours after the third phase of ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ opened, demand from around the world reached extraordinary levels,” FIFA said in a statement on Friday night.
“Fans from over 200 countries and territories submitted 5 million ticket requests via FIFA.com/tickets, fueled by excitement to witness the first-ever 48-team tournament, which will take place across Canada, Mexico and the United States from Thursday, 11 June to Sunday, 19 July 2026.”
FIFA explained that the early figures pointed to a strong appetite for standout group-stage encounters, with Colombia versus Portugal (Miami, 27 June) emerging as the most sought-after match during the Random Selection Draw period so far.
Brazil versus Morocco (New York New Jersey, 13 June), Mexico versus Korea Republic (Guadalajara, 18 June), Ecuador vesus Germany (New York New Jersey, 25 June), and Scotland versus Brazil (Miami, 24 June) complete the top five matches – involving nine teams from five different continents.
After 24 hours, the three host nations lead the way, with the subsequent top ten countries of residence for ticket requests being Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France and Panama.
The strong presence of South American neighbours Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina, as well as Central Americans from Panama, further demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup 2026 is capturing the imagination across the Americas, the global football body added.
“Scotland’s appearance in the top 10 reflects fans’ excitement at seeing the team on the global stage again for the first time in 28 years, adding to the growing expectation that football will unite the world in North America in six months’ time,” FIFA noted.
“The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET), and the timing of a ticket request within this window does not affect the chances of success.
“Fans are encouraged to enter the draw at FIFA.com/tickets for a chance to be part of a tournament that promises unforgettable moments, unprecedented scale and a celebration of football like never before.”
According to FIFA, throughout this sales phase, fans will be able to select which match(es), respective ticket category(ies), and number of tickets per match they would like to purchase, subject to household restrictions.
Tickets will also be available for purchase via the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace at FIFA.com/tickets starting on Monday, 15 December 2025.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, FIFA reinvests the revenue it generates from the FIFA World Cup to fuel the growth of football (men’s, women’s and youth) throughout the 211 FIFA Member Associations globally,” the body stated.
“In fact, FIFA expects to reinvest over 90% of its budgeted investments for the 2023–2026 cycle back into the game, with the aim of significantly boosting the development of football around the world.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-offs final.