FIFA confirms staggering demand for the expanded 2026 tournament, with over one million tickets already sold to fans from 212 different nations.
October 17, 2025: The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, has officially begun with unprecedented global enthusiasm. FIFA has announced that over one million tickets for the quadrennial spectacle have already been sold, despite only 28 of the 48 participating nations having secured their berth.
The staggering demand underscores the immense anticipation for the expanded 48-team tournament, which is being called the “biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history.”
Global Reach: 212 Nations in the Mix
FIFA stated that the tickets were purchased by fans hailing from a remarkable 212 different countries and territories. As expected, the highest demand came from residents of the three host nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Other major markets rounding out the top ten include England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his delight at the response. “I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” he said in a release. “It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere.”
NBA Star Luka Doncic Joins as Ambassador
Adding celebrity star power to the anticipation, Los Angeles Lakers icon Luka Doncic has been named as an Official Community Ambassador for the Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee.
The Slovenian superstar, a lifelong football fan who recently moved to the Lakers from the Dallas Mavericks, expressed his excitement about welcoming the world to his new city.
“I’ve always been a football fan,” said the 26-year-old. “Los Angeles is a great city full of amazing people who love to play and watch every sport. I can’t wait for the World Cup and it’s an honour to help bring people together through a sport that connects so many cultures around the globe.”
As qualification races continue across the globe, the tournament promises to be a spectacular farewell for a generation of legendary players, including defending champion Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The next ticket sales phase, an Early Ticket Draw for single-match and venue-specific tickets, is set to open later this month.