Zurich, Switzerland — The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced that over one million tickets have already been sold for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a record-breaking start to the tournament’s pre-sale phase.
According to FIFA, the unprecedented demand demonstrates the growing excitement ahead of the global football showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first time in history that three nations will co-host the tournament.
Global Enthusiasm Surges Ahead of 2026
The pre-sale phase, which opened exclusively to FIFA account holders and sponsors, witnessed massive participation from fans across all continents. Tickets for high-profile matches, including the opening ceremony, semi-finals, and final, reportedly sold out within hours.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FIFA described the early sales figures as a reflection of “unprecedented global anticipation” for the 2026 edition, which will also be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams instead of the traditional 32.
“The response from fans worldwide has been extraordinary. The enthusiasm shows that the world is ready for a new era of football,” FIFA said in its announcement.
North America Prepares for Football’s Biggest Stage
The 2026 World Cup will be played across 16 host cities — including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Mexico City — with stadiums already undergoing upgrades to meet FIFA’s standards.
Sports analysts note that this early surge in ticket demand could make the 2026 World Cup one of the most attended sporting events in history, potentially surpassing previous attendance records set in 1994 when the United States first hosted the tournament.
Fans’ Expectations Rise
Football enthusiasts have expressed excitement not only for the matches but also for the expanded tournament format, which promises more games, new rivalries, and greater inclusivity.
With less than two years to go, FIFA has assured fans that additional ticket phases will open in 2025, giving more supporters a chance to secure seats at the world’s most anticipated football event.
“This World Cup will redefine the global football experience — a celebration of unity, culture, and the beautiful game,” FIFA concluded.