New wave of 2026 World Cup tickets set for release as demand surges

Football’s global governing body FIFA has announced that another batch of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will go on sale this Wednesday, just weeks before the tournament gets underway.

The latest release will include access to matches across all 104 games scheduled for the expanded tournament, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Fans will be able to purchase tickets through FIFA’s official platform on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 3pm.

Organisers have also indicated that additional tickets will continue to be released in phases right up until the final on 19 July, depending on availability. This rolling release strategy is aimed at managing demand and giving more supporters a chance to attend matches as logistics and allocations are finalised.

Interest in the 2026 tournament has already reached unprecedented levels. FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently revealed that more than five million tickets have already been sold, surpassing previous sales trends for the competition at this stage.

The 2026 edition is set to be the largest World Cup in history, featuring an expanded format and more host venues. With 16 stadiums across three countries, total ticket availability is expected to reach around seven million—significantly higher than past tournaments. For comparison, the previous record for ticket sales stood at approximately 3.5 million during the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in the United States.

Despite the excitement, ticket pricing has become a major talking point among fans. Premium seats, particularly for high-profile matches such as the final, have reached prices exceeding $10,000, with costs fluctuating further on secondary markets. FIFA has defended its pricing model, explaining that it reflects exceptionally high global demand.

The organisation has adopted a dynamic pricing system for certain matches, meaning ticket prices can rise as demand increases. While this approach is common in major global events, it has drawn criticism from some supporters who argue that it limits accessibility for ordinary fans.

There have also been mixed reports around demand for specific fixtures, particularly those involving host nations. However, FIFA maintains that overall ticket sales remain strong, with high interest across all matches and venues.

With just weeks to go before kick-off, anticipation continues to build for what is expected to be a landmark tournament in football history. The upcoming ticket release is likely to trigger another surge in demand as fans around the world race to secure their place at the biggest World Cup ever staged.