Over Five Million FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Requested in One Day as Sports Tourism Explodes for Historic Forty Eight Team Event: Know More

The third phase of ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off with an astonishing response. Within the first 24 hours of the Random Selection Draw opening, over 5 million ticket requests were submitted by fans from more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. This surge in demand highlights the excitement surrounding the first-ever 48-team tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Record-Breaking Demand for FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets

The early figures suggest that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is capturing the attention of football fans like never before. As one of the most anticipated sporting events in history, the tournament is drawing unprecedented global interest. Fans from around the world wasted no time in submitting their requests for tickets via FIFA’s official platform, FIFA.com/tickets, driven by the prospect of witnessing the largest-ever World Cup in history.

The surge in ticket requests can be attributed to the excitement surrounding not only the expansion of the tournament to 48 teams but also the star-studded matchups set to take place in the group stage. In particular, the highly anticipated clash between Colombia and Portugal (Miami, June 27) has emerged as the most sought-after match, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.

Standout Group-Stage Matches Spark Global Interest

The first 24 hours of ticket sales revealed a strong appetite for high-profile group-stage encounters. Aside from the Colombia v Portugal match, other standout fixtures include Brazil v Morocco (New York/New Jersey, June 13), Mexico v Korea Republic (Guadalajara, June 18), Ecuador v Germany (New York/New Jersey, June 25), and Scotland v Brazil (Miami, June 24). These games feature nine teams from five different continents, underlining the global appeal of the tournament.

The demand for tickets is not limited to just the host nations. Fans from across South America, Europe, and beyond are eager to be part of the action. Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France, and Panama are among the top ten countries with the highest number of ticket requests, reflecting the worldwide excitement surrounding the tournament.

South American Nations Lead Ticket Requests

The strong presence of South American countries, particularly Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina, in the top ten of ticket requests further demonstrates the growing enthusiasm for the World Cup across the Americas. These nations have a rich football heritage, and the prospect of witnessing their teams compete on the world’s biggest stage is fueling significant demand for tickets.

Scotland’s inclusion in the top ten is particularly significant, as it marks the country’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Fans from Scotland are celebrating the long-awaited qualification, which has further contributed to the high demand for tickets from the UK.

An Unprecedented Global Event: A Historic 48-Team Tournament

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams, a historic expansion from the previous 32-team format. This new format promises to make the tournament more exciting and inclusive, with a wider representation of countries from all corners of the globe. The opening match on June 11, 2026, will kickstart an extraordinary month of football action, with millions of fans from around the world tuning in to witness the spectacle.

FIFA’s Commitment to Making the World Cup Accessible

The Random Selection Draw ticketing phase remains open until January 13, 2026, and FIFA encourages fans to submit their ticket requests during this period. The timing of the request will not affect a fan’s chances of success, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to secure their spot at the tournament. Fans will have the option to select the matches, ticket categories, and the number of tickets they wish to purchase, subject to household restrictions.

FIFA has also created a resale platform, which will allow fans to buy tickets through the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace starting December 15, 2025. This initiative aims to ensure that tickets are made available to those who genuinely wish to attend the tournament, helping to prevent ticket scalping.

A Glimpse into FIFA World Cup 2026 Experiences

In addition to the standard ticket offerings, FIFA is providing fans with premium hospitality packages that include match tickets, transport, and access to exclusive facilities. These hospitality packages are available for purchase through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider of FIFA World Cup 2026. For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, Qatar Airways is offering all-inclusive travel packages that include flights, accommodation, transport, and match tickets.

FIFA’s Legacy: Reinvesting in the Future of Football

FIFA’s commitment to the global development of football extends beyond the World Cup. As a not-for-profit organization, FIFA reinvests the revenue generated from the tournament to support football development worldwide. Over 90% of the budget for the 2023–2026 cycle is expected to be reinvested into the game, supporting initiatives for both men’s and women’s football as well as youth development across FIFA’s 211 member associations.

FIFA’s efforts are aimed at enhancing the growth and accessibility of the sport, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit the global football community for generations to come. The funds raised from the World Cup will help to foster grassroots football, improve facilities, and provide training programs for future generations of players.

Conclusion: A Historic World Cup Awaits

With over 5 million ticket requests already submitted and strong demand for key matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments in the history of the sport. Fans from over 200 countries and territories are eager to be part of this historic event, and with FIFA’s efforts to make tickets accessible to a global audience, the tournament promises to be a celebration of football like never before. The anticipation is building, and the world will soon unite to witness the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup.

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