2026 FIFA World Cup Sees Record 150 Million Ticket Requests in 15 Days; $60 Fan Tickets Introduced, Dubai to Host Next Year’s FIFA Best Awards

FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has sparked unprecedented global interest, with 150 million ticket requests submitted in just the first 15 days of sales. This overwhelming demand underscores the tournament’s immense popularity and the excitement surrounding its expanded format, which will feature 48 teams competing across three host nations.

To ensure the event remains accessible to a wide range of fans, FIFA has introduced an affordable $60 ticket category for supporters of qualified teams. Infantino emphasized that ticket revenue is not only used to stage the World Cup but is also reinvested into football programs around the world, supporting the development of the sport in 150 countries. This reinvestment helps fund grassroots initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and youth development programs, fostering the growth of football on a global scale.

The United States led the ticket request numbers, followed closely by Germany and the United Kingdom, reflecting the strong fan base in these regions. FIFA’s approach aims to balance the excitement of high demand with equitable access for fans worldwide, ensuring that as many people as possible can experience the tournament live.

In parallel, FIFA announced that Dubai will host the upcoming FIFA Best Awards, an annual event that honors outstanding achievements in football. The awards celebrate top-performing players, coaches, and teams while highlighting football’s unique ability to unite communities and cultures across the globe. This event further emphasizes FIFA’s commitment to promoting the sport’s universal appeal and the positive impact it has on fans and players alike.