FIFA announced on Thursday that it had received an astonishing 1.5 million ticket applications within just 24 hours of opening the presale draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting the unprecedented global excitement around the expanded tournament. Fans from 210 countries and territories rushed to secure their chance to attend football’s biggest spectacle, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Demand was highest in the three host nations, with U.S. fans submitting the largest number of requests, followed by Mexico and Canada. Outside of North America, strong interest poured in from traditional football powerhouses such as Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, England, Spain, Portugal, and Germany, reflecting the global scale of anticipation.
The 2026 World Cup will mark a historic first, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and staging 104 matches across 16 host cities. Venues will range from iconic American stadiums such as MetLife in New Jersey and AT&T Stadium in Dallas to legendary Mexican sites like Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, as well as Canada’s BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver.
The presale application period will run until September 19, after which successful applicants will be notified starting September 29. From October 1, ticket-purchase windows will open, with entry-level ticket prices starting at US$60. FIFA has confirmed that a dynamic pricing system will be in effect, meaning prices could rise depending on demand and the stage of the competition.
This early demand sets the stage for what FIFA expects to be the largest and most commercially successful World Cup in history, with record revenues anticipated from ticket sales, hospitality packages, and broadcasting rights. The governing body has also promised expanded fan-engagement activities, including fan festivals in host cities and enhanced digital ticketing systems to prevent fraud.
Sports analysts say the enthusiasm reflects both the growing football culture in North America and the global community’s eagerness for a tournament that will span three countries for the first time in history. With more than two years to go before kick-off, the overwhelming response signals a World Cup that could break every attendance and revenue record set by its predecessors.
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