Home of football statistics and historyMore than 4.5 million fans applied for the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.
The tournament, which has been expanded to 48 teams for the first time, is expected to generate new records in several associated industries.
For example, the online sports betting sector will benefit massively from the increased number of matches, and turnover records will be smashed.
Those looking ahead for the upcoming matches are actively exploring various options that give International Tournaments bonuses available such as the Fanatics sportsbook promo.
New users receive a bonus when they make their first deposit, which they can redeem when they visit the reputable online betting platform.
Huge demand for tickets
The initial demand for tickets highlights why Fanatics and other operators in the betting industry cannot wait for the 2026 World Cup to start.
Fans from 216 countries and territories entered the Presale Draw for the first phase of ticketing. Supporters in the three host nations accounted for the highest number of applications.
Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Italy rounded off the top ten. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the figures as ‘outstanding’.
“The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 – the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever seen,” Infantino said.
“From Canada, Mexico and the United States to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again that the passion for football truly unites, as they are looking forward to attending matches in all three host nations.
“And in 2026, with 48 teams playing in 16 incredible cities, the world will come together in North America like never before.”
After a randomised selection process, applicants will be notified on a rolling basis about tickets from Monday, September 29. Successful applicants will be given a time slot to purchase tickets, subject to availability, starting from Wednesday, October 1.
World Cup tickets can be resold
Given that it is one of the biggest sporting events scheduled to be staged over the next five years, demand for World Cup tickets was always going to be off the scale.
To ensure that fans can safely purchase tickets, FIFA is also launching an official resale platform on its website for eligible ticket holders from Thursday, October 2.
This initiative aims to safeguard fans against invalid or unauthorised resale and is available to people subject to federal and local regulations.
FIFA will also stage an Early Ticket Draw from Monday, October 27, which will offer tickets for group stage matches starting from $60.
The governing body has not confirmed how many $60 tickets will be available, although officials have said that the number is ‘not insignificant’.
Criticism over World Cup ticket prices
While FIFA has been bullish about World Cup ticket sales, they have been heavily criticised over plans to use ‘dynamic pricing’ for some matches at the tournament.
New York City mayor-in-waiting Zohran Mamdani recently launched a ‘Game over Greed’ petition and urged FIFA to instigate a price cap on ticket prices.
“There’s just no chance for so many who love this game so much to actually be able to go and see this,” Mamdani said.
“This also has a real impact on the potential for the atmosphere of the World Cup and just how many fans will actually be there.
“Because so often the people who get the tickets quickest are not the ones who are actually the most eager to be there. They’re the ones who are the most excited at the prospect of a profit.”
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