FIFA World Cup 2026 Shatters Records: 150 Million Ticket Requests in Just 15 Days

“Absolutely Crazy” Demand

Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed the staggering numbers that demonstrate the unprecedented global appetite for the first-ever 48-team World Cup.

“We have six to seven million tickets on sale and in 15 days we received 150 million ticket requests. So 10 million ticket requests every single day,” Infantino said. “It shows how powerful the World Cup is.”

To put the demand in perspective: In nearly 100 years of World Cup history, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total across all 22 tournaments since 1930. The 150 million requests received in just two weeks represent 3.4 times the total attendance of every World Cup match ever played.

Ticket Price Controversy

The record demand comes amid significant controversy over ticket pricing. Fans worldwide have criticized FIFA for prices that are, in some cases, five times higher than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The cheapest ticket for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is approximately $4,185 (£3,119), while group stage tickets range from $140 to over $2,700 depending on the match and category. The highest-priced retail ticket available is $6,370.

FIFA Responds: $60 Supporter Entry Tier

Following intense criticism from fan groups worldwide, particularly in Europe, FIFA announced a new “Supporter Entry Tier” with $60 tickets available for all 104 matches, including the final.

However, these affordable tickets come with significant limitations — they are available only through national football federations for their most loyal fans who have a track record of attending matches home and away. The allocation is limited to roughly 1,000 tickets per match, depending on stadium capacity.

FIFA Defends Pricing Strategy

Despite the backlash, Infantino defended FIFA’s pricing approach, arguing that the revenues generated support football development worldwide.

“What’s crucial is that the revenues that are generated from this are going back to the game all over the world,” Infantino said. “Without FIFA there’d be no football in 150 countries in the world. There is football because, and thanks to, these revenues we generate with, and from, the World Cup which we reinvest all over the world.”

FIFA has also employed “dynamic pricing” — a system where ticket prices fluctuate in real-time based on market demand, similar to concert and entertainment ticketing in the United States. This approach is common in American sports but has been met with resistance from international football supporters accustomed to fixed-price ticketing.

Where Is Demand Coming From?

The United States leads global ticket demand, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. The geographic distribution demonstrates interest from both established football nations and emerging markets.

What Happens Next?

The current Random Selection Draw phase remains open until January 13, 2026. Ticket requests are processed randomly, meaning earlier submissions provide no advantage. Successful applicants will be notified via email in February and charged automatically.

Additional Ticket Phases Coming

FIFA has confirmed that additional sales phases will follow the current Random Selection Draw, offering further opportunities for fans to secure tickets. Those unsuccessful in this phase will have more chances in the months leading up to the tournament.

With the tournament featuring 104 matches across 16 venues in three countries, FIFA expects to welcome nearly 7 million fans — potentially double the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which remains the best-attended in history with 3.5 million spectators.