The world's most popular sporting event is already generating historic levels of interest. FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, announced on January 14, 2026, that it has received more than 500 million ticket requests for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Unprecedented Demand for a Historic Tournament
This staggering number highlights the immense global appetite for the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations: Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The 500 million requests represent an overwhelming surge for the expanded 48-team tournament, far surpassing demand seen for previous editions. The official draw for the event was held on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where the iconic trophy was displayed, setting the stage for the upcoming competition.
What This Means for Fans and Host Nations
The volume of requests indicates that securing tickets will be highly competitive. This level of demand is a strong positive signal for the host countries, projecting massive economic impact from tourism and global viewership. The 2026 World Cup is poised to be the largest and most-watched in history, with matches scheduled across numerous cities in North America.
For Canadian soccer fans, this news comes as the national men's team prepares for its own World Cup journey. In related news, the Canadian men's team is scheduled to host Uzbekistan in a friendly match in Edmonton on June 1, as part of their preparations for the global showcase.
A Global Phenomenon Capturing Attention
The ticket request data underscores soccer's unchallenged position as the world's most popular sport. The 2026 tournament, with its unique tri-nation format and expanded field, has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. This early indicator of demand suggests record-breaking attendance and television audiences are all but guaranteed for the event now less than six months from its official start.
While the exact allocation process for the millions of requested tickets has not been detailed in this announcement, FIFA is expected to conduct a random selection draw to manage the extraordinary oversubscription. Fans who submitted requests will now await notification to see if they have secured the chance to witness football history.
