The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Thursday that it has received over 500 million applications for tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico during the 33-day 'random selection' phase. According to FIFA's official website, this number represents not just purchase requests but a 'global statement' reflecting the unprecedented passion for the first edition to feature 48 teams. This stage saw a staggering rate of 15 million requests per day, coming from all 211 member associations of FIFA. The United States, Mexico, and Canada (the host nations) topped the list of countries with the most requests, followed by Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia. The biggest surprise was the 'most requested match', where the encounter between Colombia and Portugal, scheduled for June 27 in Miami, topped the list, surpassing even the final in New York and the opening match in Mexico City. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described this response as 'more than just a request, it's a global declaration', thanking the fans and reaffirming the federation's commitment to providing alternative experiences for those who are not lucky enough to get into the stadiums. Fans will be notified of the results of their applications via email by February 5, 2026, with successful applicants having fees automatically deducted and another chance for those who were unsuccessful in a 'last-minute sales' phase. FIFA confirmed that a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the host country, urging fans to begin visa procedures immediately due to complex requirements. The statement also noted that 90% of the revenue will be reinvested in the development of the game worldwide.
