FIFA Reports 150 Million Ticket Requests for 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization received an astonishing 150 million ticket requests for the upcoming World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in March 2026. This figure highlights the immense global interest in the tournament, which Infantino defended amid criticism regarding ticket prices.

During a recent address at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino emphasized the demand for tickets, stating that FIFA faced an average of 10 million requests daily since ticket sales began. He noted, “In the almost 100 years of history of the World Cup, FIFA has sold 44 million tickets in total. So, in two weeks, we could’ve filled 300 years of World Cups. Imagine that. This is absolutely crazy.”

The pricing structure for tickets has sparked debate among fans, particularly as many tickets are significantly more expensive compared to those for the 2022 tournament. In response to feedback from fan groups, FIFA introduced a new $60 ticket tier aimed at making the matches more accessible for supporters of qualified teams.

Infantino highlighted that the highest number of ticket requests has come from fans in the United States, followed by those in Germany and the United Kingdom. He reiterated the importance of the revenue generated from ticket sales, stating that these funds are crucial for supporting football development worldwide. “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,” he explained.

FIFA Best Awards to Be Held in Dubai

In addition to the ticket announcement, Infantino confirmed that Dubai will host the FIFA Best Awards next year. This prestigious event recognizes the top men’s and women’s players, coaches, and teams, with winners determined by votes from fans, media representatives, captains, and national team coaches.

“We have enjoyed the sport, and now we will enjoy even more the unity the sport brings to the entire world,” Infantino remarked. During the 2025 ceremony, France’s Ousmane Dembele was awarded the title of men’s player of the year, while Aitana Bonmati from Spain received the women’s award.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, FIFA’s focus on revenue generation and fan engagement will likely shape the tournament’s success and its lasting impact on global football.