Over 4.5 million applications for tickets in first phase of 2026 World Cup

Fans around the world are slowly building excitement around the 2026 World Cup. This was evident in the first phase of ticket sales. According to a report released by FIFA, more than 4.5 million people have applied for the lottery to buy tickets for the tournament.
The highest number of applications has been received from the host United States. The other two host countries, Mexico and Canada, have also received significant numbers of applications. However, FIFA did not disclose country-specific numbers. The pre-sale phase will run from September 9 to 19, where only Visa credit card holders will be able to apply.
Those who are able to purchase tickets will be notified by email from September 29. They will then be able to purchase tickets within a specific period from October 1.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in this regard, ‘The number of applications is not only amazing, but also proof of the global desire for the 2026 World Cup. Everyone wants to be a part of this biggest, most inclusive and exciting event in history. Fans from Canada, Mexico and the United States have once again shown that football unites people’s passions.
A total of 104 matches will be held in the upcoming World Cup. Group stage tickets start at just $60. However, even if you get a slot, tickets are not guaranteed, as the number of applicants far exceeds the limited seats. According to the rules, each spectator can buy a maximum of four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets for the entire tournament.
The second phase of ticket sales, the ‘Early Ticket Draw’, will begin on October 27. This phase of sales will run from mid-November to early December. The third phase, the ‘Random Selection Draw’, will begin on December 5—the day the final World Cup draw will be held in Washington, D.C., where the full schedule will be determined.
FIFA said that tickets will be sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis as the tournament approaches. In addition, FIFA’s official ticket resale platform will be launched on October 2.
The high interest in tickets for the 2026 World Cup suggests that an unprecedented football festival is set to take place in the three host countries in North America.
2026 World Cup at a glance
Schedule: The 2026 World Cup will begin on June 11, with the final on July 19.
Teams: For the first time, 48 teams will participate.
Opening match: At the historic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
Final: At MetLife Stadium in New York, USA.
Match times: After the first two days, four matches will be played each day. The schedule will be the same as for the Club World Cup—4am, 7am, 10am and 1pm (Bangladesh time).
Host cities
In the United States: Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Kansas City, New York/New Jersey, San Francisco and Seattle.
Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Canada: Toronto and Vancouver.