FIFA Records 5 Million Ticket Requests on First Day of World Cup 2026 Sales

Global excitement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached unprecedented levels, with fans across the world responding in massive numbers as the third phase of ticket sales opened. Within just 24 hours, FIFA recorded 5 million ticket requests from supporters spanning more than 200 countries and territories, highlighting the extraordinary anticipation surrounding football’s biggest event.

The 2026 edition of the tournament will be historic, marking the first-ever 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, and scheduled to run from Thursday, 11 June to Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Global Demand Surges as Ticket Sales Open

The initial data from FIFA shows overwhelming global engagement through FIFA.com/tickets, with demand pouring in from nearly every corner of the world. The scale of interest underlines the tournament’s global reach and the unique appeal of a World Cup hosted across three nations for the first time.

Host Nations Lead Ticket Requests

After the first 24 hours, the three host nations were leading in ticket demand. Beyond the hosts, the top ten countries of residence for ticket requests were:

• Colombia

• England

• Ecuador

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Scotland

• Germany

• Australia

• France

• Panama

This diverse list reflects the truly global enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup, spanning multiple continents and footballing cultures.

Most In-Demand Group-Stage Matches So Far

Early trends indicate particularly strong interest in marquee group-stage fixtures, featuring traditional powerhouses and exciting international matchups.

Top Five Most Sought-After Matches

The most requested match during the Random Selection Draw period so far is:

1. Colombia v Portugal – Miami, 27 June

Other high-demand fixtures rounding out the top five include:

2. Brazil v Morocco – New York New Jersey, 13 June

3. Mexico v Korea Republic – Guadalajara, 18 June

4. Ecuador v Germany – New York New Jersey, 25 June

5. Scotland v Brazil – Miami, 24 June

These matches involve nine national teams from five different continents, underlining the tournament’s global competitive diversity.

Americas and Europe Drive Early Momentum

The strong representation of South American nations such as Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina, alongside Central American fans from Panama, highlights how the FIFA World Cup 2026 is capturing the imagination across the Americas.

Scotland’s Return Adds Emotional Pull

Scotland’s presence among the top ten requesting nations reflects heightened excitement among fans eager to see the team return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years. This emotional factor has further boosted demand and added to the growing global anticipation.

Ticket Sales Process and Important Dates

Random Selection Draw Remains Open

The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase will remain open until:

• Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET)

Importantly, the timing of a ticket request within this window does not affect the chances of success, ensuring a fair and balanced allocation process.

Ticket Selection Options for Fans

During this sales phase, fans can choose:

• Specific match or matches

• Preferred ticket category or categories

• Number of tickets per match

All selections are subject to household restrictions, as outlined by FIFA.

FIFA Resale and Exchange Marketplace Launch

In addition to the primary sales phase, tickets will also be available through the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace, which opens on:

• Monday, 15 December 2025

This platform will allow fans additional opportunities to secure tickets through official and regulated channels.

World Cup 2026 Set to Unite the World

With record-breaking demand, diverse global participation and a historic 48-team format across North America, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive and widely followed sporting events in history. The early response from fans underscores the tournament’s promise of unforgettable moments, unprecedented scale and a celebration of football on a truly global level.