The random selection phase for 2026 World Cup tickets concluded on Tuesday, with FIFA reporting that over half a billion requests were submitted.
This initial phase, which began on December 11, allowed fans to apply for tickets online using a credit card. All applicants were placed into a pool, giving everyone an equal chance to be selected to purchase tickets.
Fans who were not successful in the first draw will have additional opportunities to secure tickets during subsequent sales phases as more tickets are released. FIFA has confirmed that applicants will be notified of the results via email starting February 5.
The highest number of applications came from the host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—while Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia were the leading nations outside North America.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino praised the unprecedented response, calling it “a global statement” and thanking football supporters worldwide for their enthusiasm.
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Among individual matches, the Group K clash between Colombia and Portugal in Miami received the most ticket requests.
Other popular matches included Mexico versus South Korea in Guadalajara, the tournament’s final in East Rutherford, the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, and a round-of-32 match in Toronto.
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