All 2026 World Cup matches sold out, says FIFA president Infantino
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that all matches for the 2026 World Cup are expected to be sold out due to overwhelming ticket demand, despite some tickets still being available.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared that all 104 matches of the upcoming 2026 World Cup are anticipated to be sold out, highlighting an extraordinary demand for tickets. Infantino mentioned that 508 million ticket requests had been made within a four-week window, catering to approximately seven million available tickets. This remarkable interest underscores football's vast global appeal, with requests pouring in from over 200 countries, further establishing the 2026 World Cup as a highly anticipated event on the international stage.
During an interview conducted from Mar-a-Lago, Florida, Infantino expressed his astonishment at the ticket demand, stating that such levels have never been previously encountered in the history of the tournament. He acknowledged that FIFA has retained a portion of tickets for last-minute sales, scheduled to begin in April and last until the event’s conclusion on July 19. This decision aims to facilitate access for fans closer to the event while also ensuring that the excitement around ticket sales continues as the tournament approaches.
The issue of ticket pricing was also touched upon, where Infantino acknowledged concerns from supporters regarding the high costs associated with attending the matches. With ticket prices reaching record highs on resale platforms, he attributed these exorbitant rates to the event being hosted in America, indicating a unique market dynamic for sports events in the region. This mix of record demand and rising prices reflects not only the popularity of the World Cup but also the challenges that may arise in making the event accessible to a diverse fanbase.