2026 FIFA World Cup Triggers Global Ticket Frenzy

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the first 48-team tournament in history, has ignited a staggering global ticket frenzy, with half a billion ticket requests submitted in just 33 days during the initial random selection draw.

This overwhelming demand came from fans of all 211 FIFA national associations, with host nations the United States, Mexico, and Canada leading the request list.

However, the excitement has been significantly tempered by fierce criticism from fan groups like the European Football Supporters Association, who have labeled the official ticket prices as “astronomical” and “exploitative,” noting they are up to five times higher than the previous tournament in Qatar.

In response to the growing backlash, FIFA announced the release of a limited number of tickets priced at $60, a move widely seen as an attempt to mitigate fan anger and contain the public relations crisis surrounding affordability for the North American-hosted event.