FIFA Receives Record Ticket Requests for 2026 World Cup Amid Pricing Controversy

Massive Global Demand

The FIFA 2026 World Cup ticket sale has seen unprecedented demand, with 5 million requests received in the first 24 hours of the latest sales phase. This surge in interest comes despite sharp criticism from fan groups regarding the tournament's pricing structure. The event, which will feature a record 48 teams, is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Global Participation and Criticism

Fans from over 200 countries and territories participated in the ticket sale through FIFA's official website. While this demonstrates the tournament's global appeal, it has also drawn criticism from fan organizations. Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has been particularly vocal, calling for FIFA to stop selling national team ticket allocations. The group argues that the pricing is "strangling" and could price out ordinary fans.

Market Impact and Fan Reaction

The high demand indicates strong interest in the tournament, but the pricing controversy threatens to overshadow the event. FIFA faces the challenge of balancing revenue generation with fan accessibility. The organization's response to the criticism will be crucial in determining the overall success of the ticket sales and the tournament's broader reception.