Over One Million Tickets Sold in the First Phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has already sold over one million tickets in its first phase — a milestone that reflects immense global enthusiasm, despite widespread criticism over high ticket prices.

According to an official FIFA announcement on Thursday, tickets for the tournament have been purchased from 212 countries and territories. This comes even though only 28 teams, including the three host nations, have so far qualified.

The 2026 edition will be the first-ever World Cup featuring 48 teams, leaving 20 more spots yet to be decided through the qualifying rounds.

FIFA reported that England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France ranked among the top ten ticket-buying nations in this initial phase.

The ticket application process, which began on 10 September, saw 1.5 million applications within 24 hours, highlighting the extraordinary anticipation for the North American World Cup — the first of its kind to span three nations.

FIFA has not yet disclosed how many tickets were sold for specific matches, nor has it released a full breakdown of ticket prices — a transparency measure last followed during the 1990 World Cup.

However, the organisation confirmed that the ticket sales platform reopened on Thursday, including for the final match in New Jersey.

Ticket prices are reported to range between $9,538 and $57,500 per seat, depending on category and match.

FIFA also announced the introduction of ‘Dynamic Pricing’ for the first time in World Cup history — a model where prices fluctuate based on demand and availability.

For certain early-round matches, the minimum ticket price will start from $60 (approx. 7,275 BDT), applicable to at least 40 matches.

In an official statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his delight over the overwhelming response:

“At the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, national teams from across the globe will compete, and I am thrilled to see such extraordinary enthusiasm from football lovers eager to witness this magnificent event in North America. This incredible reaction shows how deeply the FIFA World Cup resonates with fans who wish to be part of its history.”

During the first phase, ticket purchases were determined through a lottery system, selected from 4.5 million applications.

The second application phase will open on 27 October, offering both single-match and team or venue-specific ticket packages.

Those selected in the second lottery will be able to complete their purchases from mid-November to early December.

After the final fixture schedule is confirmed on 5 December, FIFA will launch the third phase of ticket sales.

The timing of FIFA’s announcement coincided with remarks from US President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened to change the World Cup venues in Boston and surrounding areas, citing security risks.

This development has stirred debate about whether political and logistical concerns could affect some of the planned host cities.

Interestingly, after the Club World Cup, Trump was quoted as saying he would like to “keep the World Cup trophy,” a remark that drew both humour and criticism in sports circles.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup promises to be the largest and most commercially ambitious football event ever staged — a spectacle already defined by record-breaking ticket demand, unprecedented prices, and global anticipation unmatched in the tournament’s history.