By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already rewriting the history books, with global demand for tickets reaching unprecedented levels just weeks into the latest sales window.
More than 150 million ticket requests have been submitted during the current Random Selection Draw phase, making this the highest demand ever recorded for a FIFA World Cup. Applications have come from supporters in over 200 countries, underlining the tournament’s extraordinary worldwide appeal ahead of its kick off in North America next year.
FIFA confirmed that the competition is currently oversubscribed by around 30 times, based on verified individual credit card entries. To put the figure into context, the number of requests received in just 15 days exceeds three times the total attendance across all 22 previous World Cups combined since the tournament began in 1930.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the figures highlight the unique power of the World Cup to unite fans across continents. “The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the greatest and most inclusive show on the planet. With more than 150 million tickets already requested, this edition is a true reflection of the passion for football in every corner of the world,” Infantino said. “We are going to make history in North America by bringing the world together like never before.”
The expanded tournament will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. It will feature 48 teams competing in a record 104 matches, making it the biggest World Cup ever staged.
The current Random Selection Draw remains open until Tuesday, 13 January 2026 at 11:00 ET. FIFA has stressed that the timing of an application within this window does not affect a fans chances of success. All valid entries will be placed into a draw once the phase closes, giving supporters an equal opportunity to secure tickets.
Fans who miss out during this phase will still have further chances, with additional ticket sales windows scheduled ahead of the tournament. Ticket prices will remain unchanged throughout the current draw.
In response to concerns around affordability, FIFA has introduced a dedicated Supporter Entry Tier, priced at a fixed USD 60 per ticket for every match, including the final. The initiative is designed to give more fans access to football’s biggest stage while maintaining the revenue needed to support the global game.
Infantino has defended the pricing structure, saying World Cup revenues are essential to football’s survival and growth worldwide. Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, he said more than 90 percent of FIFA’s investment cycle for 2023 to 2026 will be reinvested directly into football development across its 211 member associations. “Without these revenues, there would be no football in 150 countries around the world,” he said. “What is generated from the World Cup goes back into the game at every level.”
Supporters of participating national teams may also be eligible for Participating Member Association supporter tickets, subject to criteria set by their respective football associations
South African supporters have also been given a specific opportunity to access the USD 60 tickets. The SAFA Fan Club has distributed a dedicated code to eligible fans who have registered with their site, allowing them to apply for the Supporter Entry Tier via the official FIFA ticketing platform. The code must be used on the FIFA ticket website before the Random Selection Draw closes on 13 January 2026.
With demand continuing to soar and the deadline approaching, organisers say the message is clear. The world is ready for World Cup 2026, and fans who want to be part of it are encouraged to act now.