Record demand for 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets, over 500 million applications in one month

Staff Reporter | PNN

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated unprecedented global excitement among football fans, setting a new record. FIFA has announced that more than 500 million applications were submitted in just over one month to get the chance to purchase tickets under the random selection draw system.

According to FIFA, from December 11, 2025, to January 13, 2026—a total of 33 days—more than half a billion ticket applications were received. In terms of the number of applicants, the host countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—are at the top of the list.

FIFA officials said that such a level of global response has never been seen before in the history of the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “Such an enormous number of applications in such a short time does not just show ticket demand; it reflects the global passion and excitement for football. We thank football fans around the world for this extraordinary response.”

It was reported that applicants selected through the random draw will be given the opportunity to purchase tickets. Selected applicants will be notified by email before February 5. However, FIFA clarified that possessing a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the host countries; visa and immigration requirements will apply separately according to each country’s regulations.

The 2026 World Cup will be held at various venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Among them, four group-stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one quarterfinal will be held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA. The high interest in watching matches at this venue is believed to be one of the reasons behind the large number of ticket applications.

Applicants now have to wait for the results of the random draw. Only those selected will get the opportunity to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches live from the stadiums.