Record Demand As 500 Million Seek World Cup Tickets

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that demand for tickets for the 2026 World Cup has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 500 million requests already recorded.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress, Infantino described the figures as extraordinary, especially when compared to previous tournaments. The combined ticket requests for the 2018 and 2022 editions totalled just 50 million, underscoring the scale of interest in the expanded 48-team competition.

He confirmed that FIFA has already sold the majority of tickets released so far, with approximately 90 per cent of available inventory already on the market fully taken up.

Despite overwhelming demand, ticket pricing has become a contentious issue. Concerns have been raised about affordability, particularly for local supporters in host nations. Infantino acknowledged the issue but insisted that a range of pricing options remains available to ensure broader access.

FIFA is expected to continue releasing tickets in phases, a strategy aimed at managing demand while maximising revenue for what is projected to be the most commercially successful World Cup in history.