World football governing body FIFA has announced that it received more than 1.5 million ticket applications within 24 hours of opening the presale draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a statement released on Friday, the requests came from fans in 210 countries and territories, reflecting the unprecedented global interest in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA described the response as “remarkable,” noting that it is one of the strongest opening-day demands in the history of the World Cup ticketing program.
“The extraordinary level of enthusiasm highlights the worldwide appeal of football and the anticipation for the first 48-team FIFA World Cup,” the statement read.
The 2026 World Cup will mark several firsts in the competition’s history: it will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, up from the traditional 32, and will be the first to be staged across three nations.
The tournament is expected to draw record-breaking attendances, with games spread across 16 venues in major cities such as New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City.
FIFA said the presale draw will run for several weeks, giving fans the opportunity to register their interest before a randomized selection determines who secures tickets. The organization also reminded supporters that demand is expected to exceed supply for many matches, particularly the opening game, semifinals, and final.
The ticketing process is designed to ensure fairness, with applicants able to request seats across various price categories and packages, including team-specific and venue-specific options. Successful applicants will be notified once the draw is complete, while remaining tickets will be made available in later sales phases.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off in June 2026, with the final set for mid-July. FIFA projects that more than 5 million tickets could ultimately be sold, setting a new record for football’s biggest showpiece.
“We’re thrilled by the excitement shown by fans around the world,” FIFA added. “This response confirms that the FIFA World Cup remains the most prestigious and unifying sporting event on the planet.”
