FIFA confirms over 1 million tickets sold for the 2026 World Cup in North America

FIFA has confirmed that more than one million tickets have already been sold for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a strong start for what will be the biggest tournament in football history. The upcoming event, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams competing across 16 venues from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

According to FIFA’s announcement on Thursday, fans from 212 countries and territories have already purchased tickets, even though just 28 of the 48 qualifying spots have been filled so far. Unsurprisingly, the highest demand has come from supporters in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, followed by fans in England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France.

Read also: FIFA announces 2026 World Cup ticket presale, prices range from $60 to $6,000

“As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere.”

Tickets already fetching huge prices

FIFA’s resale platform is now live, with World Cup final tickets in East Rutherford, New Jersey, listed between $9,538 and $57,500 per seat as of Thursday afternoon.

While FIFA did not release a detailed breakdown of sales by match or host city, it’s believed that early demand for premium seats has been high. Unlike previous tournaments, FIFA has not yet published a full price grid for the 2026 edition.

Reports suggest that the cheapest seats, priced at $60, were available for around 40 matches, while prices for the most in-demand games — such as the opening match for the U.S. in Inglewood, California — ranged between $560 and $2,735 at launch. One resale listing even showed a single ticket for $61,642 for that opening fixture.

Fans selected through Global Lottery

The first wave of buyers was chosen from 4.5 million applicants in a global lottery last month. FIFA said the next lottery entry period will open on October 27, offering fans the chance to apply for single-match tickets, team packages, and venue passes for all 104 matches.

Those who are successful will be able to purchase tickets between mid-November and early December. A third lottery phase, known as the random selection draw, will open after the final team draw on December 5, when the full schedule is confirmed.

With around 7.1 million seats to fill across all venues, FIFA says ticket availability will continue into 2026, with additional sales to follow on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trump Controversy and Immigration Concerns

The sales milestone comes amid political tension in the U.S., after President Donald Trump suggested he might relocate World Cup matches planned for the Boston area, citing security concerns, a move FIFA officials have quietly dismissed as unlikely.

Meanwhile, fans abroad continue to worry about visa requirements, as the U.S. enforces stricter entry rules. Earlier this year, an international friendly featuring Lionel Messi’s Argentina was moved from Chicago to Florida after slow ticket sales reportedly linked to travel restrictions.

Celebrity Involvement: Luka Doncic named Ambassador

Adding a touch of star power, NBA star Luka Doncic was unveiled as an official World Cup ambassador for the Los Angeles region.

“I’ve always been a football fan,” said Doncic. “Los Angeles is a great city full of amazing people who love to play and watch every sport. I can’t wait for the World Cup — it’s an honor to help bring people together through a sport that connects so many cultures.”

The Slovenian, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers and speaks four languages, joins a growing list of global ambassadors helping to promote the tournament across North America.