Half a Billion World Cup 2026 Ticket Requests Flood FIFA

Key Takeaways:

• FIFA revealed it received over 500 million World Cup 2026 ticket requests during the 33-day application window, which closed following confirmation of match schedules and pricing last month
• A limited number of Final tickets have been made available at £45 following backlash, but most seats still require at least £3,115, with just under 900 Final tickets at the lowest price point
• Successful applicants will be notified by 5 February, while FIFA warned that a ticket does not guarantee entry into a host country due to potential immigration or visa restrictions

Unprecedented Demand and Pricing Controversies

FIFA announced that demand for tickets to the 2026 World Cup has reached extraordinary heights, with more than 500 million ticket requests submitted during the recently closed random selection draw. This surge followed the confirmation of the tournament’s match schedule and pricing structure last month.

This edition’s ticketing process has attracted significant criticism from supporter groups, particularly after it became apparent that most England fans would be required to spend a minimum of over £5,000 to follow Thomas Tuchel’s squad through to the Final at the Metlife Stadium on 19 July. Widespread backlash prompted FIFA to reconsider, making a few hundred tickets for passionate fans available at £45 per match, including the Final.

Despite these changes, FIFA maintained its stance on pricing, defending its strategy and emphasising that “global excitement” for the event has reached “unprecedented levels,” with requests coming from all 211 member associations, surpassing the 42 teams already qualified.

Applications received from fans living in all 211 FIFA Member Associations, with more than half a billion ticket requests submitted in just 33 days 🏆

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) January 15, 2026

Global Interest: Statistics and Applications

FIFA reported that, on average, fans applied for 15 million tickets each day over the 33-day window. Substantial demand originated not only from the host nations – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – but also from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.

FIFA highlighted strong UK interest even after news emerged that England supporters club members had not claimed their full Final ticket allocation, if the Three Lions advance that far.

Gianni Infantino commented: “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.
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 World Cup – 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.”

Ticket Pricing Model and Additional Concerns

FIFA’s implementation of an Oasis-style “dynamic pricing” approach, allowing ticket prices to fluctuate significantly, has compounded widespread frustration. Supporters have also condemned FIFA’s decision to apply a 15 percent fee to both buyers and sellers using the official ticket resale platform, particularly problematic for knockout stage tickets where some fans may be seeking to recoup costs if their team is eliminated.

The most affordable Final ticket presently stands at £45, but for all other available seats at the Final, prices begin at £3,115 and rise to £6,462. Only slightly under 900 Final tickets are set at the lowest price point.

Next Steps for Ticket Applicants

FIFA confirmed that households are subject to a ticket limit, and successful applicants will be notified by 5 February. Charges will be automatically processed to applicants’ credit cards. Any remaining tickets will be sold during a designated “last minute” phase once the tournament is under way.

It was further noted that a match ticket does not guarantee entry into a host country. This warning reflects ongoing immigration and visa policies, especially in the United States, where recent enforcement measures have targeted several nations with qualified teams. While a fast-track visa agreement was reached between the US State Department and FIFA last month, not all ticket holders will necessarily gain entry, though UK-based supporters are considered less likely to be affected.

Summary Table: World Cup 2026 Ticket Details