More than one million tickets have already been sold for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup, following the conclusion of the pre-sales phase organized by Visa, according to an announcement by FIFA on Thursday. The pre-sales period, which commenced in mid-September, has seen fans from 212 different countries and territories eagerly purchasing tickets.
The primary demand for tickets has come from residents of the three host countries— the United States, Canada, and Mexico—followed closely by fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement about surpassing the milestone, stating, “What an exciting milestone on the road to 2026. Today we celebrate surpassing the one-million-ticket mark after the Visa pre-sales, a fantastic proof that the most ambitious and inclusive FIFA World Cup ever is generating huge global excitement.”
Looking ahead, a total of 28 teams have secured their spots in the tournament, which will be notable as it is set to be the first World Cup featuring 48 teams with a total of 104 matches played across 16 cities in the three host nations. The upcoming public sales phase, which will start on October 27, promises to offer a variety of ticket options, including individual match tickets as well as stadium-specific and team-specific packages.
The 2026 World Cup is positioned to be a transformative event for international football, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and connection among diverse cultures through the shared love of the game. Previous announcements have reinforced the excitement generated around the tournament, emphasizing an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and unity.
As further preparations continue, host cities in North America are gearing up for the influx of fans and the vibrant experiences that lie ahead. The uplifting sentiment surrounding the forthcoming World Cup paints a hopeful picture, showcasing football’s unparalleled ability to bring people together in celebration of this beloved sport.