By: Kwame Bediako
Fans worldwide flooded FIFA’s ticket portal with five million requests in just 24 hours after the third sales phase launched, signaling massive excitement for the groundbreaking 48-team tournament set for June 11 to July 19, 2026, across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Applications poured in from over 200 countries and territories via FIFA.com/tickets, with supporters eyeing prime group-stage clashes during the ongoing random selection draw.
Colombia’s showdown against Portugal in Miami on June 27 topped the list, followed by Brazil versus Morocco in New York New Jersey, Mexico facing Korea Republic in Guadalajara, Ecuador taking on Germany in New York New Jersey, and Scotland battling Brazil in Miami to round out the hottest matchups.
Ticket demand skewed heavily toward host nations, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada dominating requests by country of residence. Trailing close behind were fans from Colombia, England, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Scotland, Germany, Australia, France, and Panama, highlighting the tournament’s broad international appeal.
The random draw phase runs through January 13, 2026, and FIFA stressed that submission timing won’t influence odds—applicants simply pick preferred matches, categories, and quantities within household caps. Starting December 15, 2025, a FIFA Resale and Exchange Marketplace will open, while hospitality packages with premium perks remain available via official partner On Location.
FIFA emphasized that all requests fall under random draw rules, with charges hitting successful applicants automatically and purchases locked in upon confirmation. This early surge underscores the historic scale of the expanded World Cup, promising an unforgettable global spectacle.
