7 months ago
FIFA Receives 500M World Cup Ticket Requests
FIFA has received over 500 million requests for tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
The most requests came from fans in Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.
The most popular match to watch is Colombia vs. Portugal.
Tickets can cost up to $8,680, but FIFA is also offering $60 tickets to national federations to distribute.
People will find out if they got tickets starting February 5, 2026.
Tickets for very popular matches will be given out randomly.
Additionally, the US is considering allowing athletes from visa-banned countries to participate in major sporting events hosted in the US, which could impact teams like Iran's football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA received over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup.
Top requesting countries outside hosts include Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.
The most requested match is Colombia vs. Portugal on June 27 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Ticket prices range up to $8,680, with $60 tickets available for national federations to distribute.
The US is open to allowing athletes from visa-banned countries to participate in major sporting events hosted in the US.
- Who
- FIFA and soccer fans worldwide
- What
- Over 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup and potential visa exemptions for athletes from banned countries
- Where
- Host countries: United States, Mexico, Canada; top requesting countries: Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Colombia
- When
- Requests received by January 15, 2026; notifications from February 5, 2026
- Why
- High global interest in the World Cup tournament and potential changes in US visa policies for athletes
US Visa Ban
US Visa Exemption for Athletes
Visa Restrictions
US Visa Ban
The US has banned visas for around 40 countries, preventing citizens from these nations from entering the US.
US Visa Exemption for Athletes
The US is open to allowing athletes, coaches, and support staff from visa-banned nations to travel and participate in major sporting events hosted in the US.
Key facts
- Total Ticket Requests
- Over 500 million
- Top Requesting Countries (Outside Hosts)
- Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Colombia
- Most Requested Match
- Colombia vs. Portugal (June 27, Miami Gardens, Florida)
- Ticket Price Range
- Up to $8,680 per ticket
- Affordable Ticket Initiative
- $60 tickets for every game to 48 national federations
- Notification Date
- No earlier than February 5, 2026
- Ticket Allocation Method
- Random for matches with excess demand
- Visa-Banned Countries
- Around 40 countries and the Palestinian Authority
- Events Covered by Exemption
- World Cup, Olympics, Paralympics, and other major sporting events
Quotes
U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department is the federal executive department responsible for foreign affairs.
“Only a small subset of travellers for the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics, and other major sporting events will qualify for the exception.”
wionews.com
