The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest football spectacle in history — and fans are already snapping up tickets at a record-breaking pace.
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FIFA president has revealed that 104 matches of the 2026 tournament are already considered “sold out,” even with tickets still officially available ahead of the competition’s June 11 kickoff.
“The demand is there. Every match is sold out,” Infantino told CNBC.
Speaking from former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Infantino disclosed staggering figures behind the ticket rush. According to him, more than 508 million ticket requests were made in just four weeks for around seven million available tickets.
That means demand has outweighed supply by over 70 times — an unprecedented level in World Cup history.
He added that the main sales phase in January attracted interest from over 200 countries, underlining football’s unmatched global pull.
“We’ve never seen anything like this — it’s incredible,” Infantino said.
Despite the “sold-out” claim, FIFA has deliberately held back a portion of tickets for late buyers. A final sales phase will open in April and run right through to the tournament’s conclusion on July 19, giving fans one last shot at securing seats.
Ticket Prices Spark Backlash
While demand is booming, ticket prices have sparked anger among supporters’ groups, with many describing them as “exorbitant.” On resale platforms, prices have already hit record levels.
Infantino defended the situation, blaming it largely on the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Everybody wants to be part of something special,” he said.
He explained that prices are officially fixed, but in the US especially, dynamic pricing is in play — meaning prices can rise or fall depending on demand. On top of that, FIFA allows resale through official secondary platforms, which naturally pushes prices higher.
“That’s part of the market we are in,” Infantino admitted.
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A $30 Billion Economic Boost
Beyond football, FIFA is predicting a massive financial windfall.
Infantino estimates that the expanded 48-team World Cup will generate more than $11 billion in revenue for , with every dollar promised to be reinvested into football development across FIFA’s 211 member countries.
The wider impact on the US economy alone could reach $30 billion, driven by:
- Tourism
- Hospitality and catering
- Infrastructure and security investments
In total, FIFA expects:
- 7 million stadium spectators
- 20–30 million visiting tourists
- Around 185,000 full-time jobs created
“It’s a big impact,” Infantino said. “I hope this impact will not just be limited to the World Cup but for the future as well.”
With unprecedented demand, soaring prices, and massive economic expectations, the is already breaking records — and it hasn’t even kicked off yet.
One thing is clear: getting a ticket may be harder than winning the trophy. ⚽🔥
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