The FIFA World Cup 2026 has achieved a historic milestone before its first match, receiving over 150 million ticket requests from fans across more than 200 countries and regions. This unprecedented demand, recorded during the ongoing Random Selection Draw phase, makes the tournament 30 times oversubscribed based on verified entries.
Global Football Frenzy
Since the ticket portal opened on December 11, 2025, the event has attracted three times more requests than the cumulative attendance of all previous World Cup matches since 1930. FIFA President Gianni Infantino called this response "a true reflection of football's unifying power," emphasizing plans to create the most inclusive tournament in history.
Expanded North American Spectacle
Scheduled for June 11-July 19, 2026, the 48-team tournament will span 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The current ticket phase remains open until January 13, 2026, with FIFA assuring equal selection chances regardless of application timing. Unsuccessful applicants will have subsequent opportunities as match dates approach.
Fueling Football's Future
As a non-profit organization, FIFA plans to reinvest 90% of tournament revenues into global football development through 211 Member Associations. This includes funding for men's, women's, and youth programs worldwide, building on the World Cup's legacy as football's premier development engine.
