Zurich, Switzerland - As anticipation builds for the expanded FIFA World Cup 26™ across North America, FIFA announced a significant milestone this week: over one million tickets have already been sold. This initial wave of sales followed the exclusive Visa Presale Draw, which concluded recently, allowing selected fans the first opportunity to secure their spots at the biggest tournament in World Cup history.The announcement highlights the immense global interest in the 48-team, 104-match tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the exact number of tickets allocated to the general public in this initial phase remains undisclosed, reports indicate a highly competitive process with over 4.5 million fans entering the draw. The highest demand for tickets, as expected, came from residents of the host nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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FIFA has adopted a phased approach to ticket sales, with the Visa Presale Draw marking the first stage. According to FIFA, subsequent sales phases are scheduled to begin shortly.Early Ticket Draw: The second phase opens for applications between October 27 and October 31, 2025, notes the BBC. Successful applicants will receive time slots to purchase tickets between mid-November and early December.Random Selection Draw: This phase will commence shortly after the group stage draw on December 5, 2025, allowing fans to apply for specific matches once the schedule is set.Last-Minute Sales Phase: Closer to the tournament, any remaining tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, the enthusiasm for the tournament is tempered by concerns over escalating ticket prices. Business News Nigeria reports that the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be the most expensive in history. Prices for the opening match range from $370 to $1,825, while the final in New York/New Jersey could cost between $2,030 and $6,370. Even the cheapest group stage tickets, initially advertised at $60, are now difficult to find, with many matches seeing prices exceeding $100. FIFA's implementation of a dynamic pricing model, which adjusts prices based on demand, has been cited as a key factor in these increases.
Despite the high costs, the tournament is projected to generate significant economic benefits for the host cities. A FIFA-WTO study estimates a potential economic output of USD 47 billion in the US alone from the World Cup and the Club World Cup. In Los Angeles, hosting eight matches is expected to deliver up to $594 million in total economic impact.
Nevertheless, the pricing strategy has drawn criticism from fan groups and analysts, who express concerns that the tournament may become inaccessible to many passionate supporters, especially those from lower-income brackets or countries with weaker currencies. This disparity raises questions about the inclusivity of the global event. According to ferw.eu, the reliance on complex digital operations and escalating prices may be marginalizing everyday fans worldwide.
As the tournament draws closer, FIFA encourages fans to purchase tickets only through official channels at FIFA.com/tickets to avoid invalid or unauthorized resales. The launch of an official resale platform is also planned to safeguard fans. The success of the initial sales phase demonstrates the enduring global appeal of the World Cup, even amidst evolving economic realities and a dynamic ticketing landscape.
