World Cup Mania: Record Ticket Requests Flood FIFA in Just 24 Hours

Updated: December 14, 2025 11:03

Image Source: Gulf News

FIFA received five million ticket applications in 24 hours for the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Colombia vs Portugal in Miami is the most requested match. Despite record demand, fans criticized soaring ticket prices, raising concerns about affordability and inclusivity in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, has already ignited unprecedented excitement. FIFA confirmed that it received five million ticket applications in just the first 24 hours of the latest sales phase, underscoring the global passion for football’s biggest stage.

Key Highlights

Record Demand: Fans from over 200 countries and territories submitted applications via FIFA.com/tickets, marking one of the largest opening-day ticket requests in World Cup history.

Most Requested Matches:

Colombia vs Portugal (Miami, June 27) emerged as the single most sought-after fixture.
Brazil vs Morocco (New York) also ranked among the top requests, reflecting strong interest in high-profile group-stage clashes.

Fan Backlash on Prices: Despite soaring demand, supporter groups criticized ticket costs, which have reportedly increased five-fold compared to Qatar 2022. Group-stage tickets range from $180 to $700, while final tickets are priced between $4,185 and $8,680.

Historic Expansion: The 2026 edition will be the first-ever 48-team World Cup, expanding opportunities for nations and fans alike.

Global Reach: Applications came from every continent, with notable surges from South America and Europe, including Scottish fans celebrating their nation’s return to the World Cup after 28 years.

Broader Context

The ticket frenzy highlights both the immense global appeal of the World Cup and the challenges of balancing accessibility with revenue. While FIFA hailed the demand as proof of football’s universal reach, fan groups such as Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have urged FIFA to reconsider pricing, warning that ordinary fans risk being priced out.

The expansion to 48 teams is expected to deliver more matches, more venues, and greater inclusivity, but it also raises logistical challenges for organizers. With matches spread across three host nations, fans will need to plan travel carefully, adding to the complexity of attending the tournament.

High ticket prices may alienate grassroots supporters, sparking further backlash. Travel and accommodation costs across three countries could compound affordability concerns.
The expanded format offers more matches, more tickets, and broader participation, potentially making the World Cup more inclusive in the long run.
The five million ticket applications in just one day reaffirm the World Cup’s status as the world’s most coveted sporting event, even amid debates over pricing and accessibility.

Sources: The Hindu, ESPN, FIFA Official, Gulf News

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! More Than a Game: Headingley Test Opens with Powerful Display of Unity and Remembrance