Post by : Meena
Hassan
In a remarkable announcement, FIFA revealed that ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup have soared to over 500 million, indicating an unprecedented enthusiasm from fans worldwide. This surge in demand coincides with the conclusion of the application period for the lottery-based ticket allocation.
Supporters hailing from all 211 FIFA member countries and territories have expressed their desire for seats at this expanded 48-team tournament, which will unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Successful applicants will receive notifications no earlier than February 5, as the lottery process gets underway.
Global Fan Interest Multiplies
While local fans of the hosting nations showed notable interest, the highest volume of ticket applications outside these regions came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia, underscoring the global appeal of the World Cup.
The match generating the most enthusiasm was Colombia's face-off with Portugal in Miami on June 27, closely trailed by Mexico's clash against South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18. The final in New Jersey on July 19 also drew significant interest.
FIFA Acknowledges Fan Excitement
FIFA President Gianni Infantino characterized the influx of requests as historic, stating, "Half a billion ticket requests in a little over a month is not just demand; it's a global declaration." He expressed appreciation for the worldwide fanbase while recognizing the challenges posed by limited stadium capacity.
"Our only regret is our inability to accommodate every fan inside the stadiums," he noted, emphasizing the difficulty of meeting such overwhelming demand.
Concerns Over Ticket Pricing
Amid the enthusiasm, FIFA has faced criticism regarding ticket prices, with many fan groups describing them as “astronomical” and unaffordable for average supporters. Observers have pointed out that prices for the 2026 event are nearly five times higher than those for the 2022 World Cup.
In response, FIFA initiated a new category of reduced-price tickets in December, offering seats for $60 (approximately €51). This move aims to make the tournament more accessible to fans without compromising affordability.
A Landmark Event in Football History
The 2026 World Cup is poised to be one of the largest and most widely attended sporting events. Despite the ongoing discussions about ticket pricing, the astonishing number of applications clearly indicates that fans globally are eager to experience the event in person.
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