FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that every single one of the 104 matches scheduled for the 2026 World Cup is effectively sold out. This declaration comes despite the fact that tickets remain available through official channels, a situation stemming from unprecedented global demand for the tournament, which is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to FIFA, the response from fans has been staggering. Over a period of just four weeks, the organization received more than 508 million ticket requests for the 7 million seats available. These applications came from supporters in over 200 countries, highlighting the truly global appeal of the event.
However, Infantino’s statement that the event is sold out requires some explanation. While initial demand has far exceeded supply, FIFA is deliberately holding back a portion of the ticket inventory. These remaining seats are scheduled to be released in a final sales phase starting this April, offering one last chance for fans to purchase tickets at face value directly from the governing body.
While the official sales process continues, a separate market has already ignited outrage among fans.
Ticket resale platforms are currently listing seats for the tournament’s most high-profile games at prices exponentially higher than their original value. For instance, tickets to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Azteca Stadium are being resold for as much as $5,324, a stark contrast to the original face value of $895.
The situation is even more extreme for the final, scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Listings for the final game have appeared online with prices reaching an astonishing $143,750. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the ticket’s face value of $3,450, illustrating the intense demand and the financial hurdles facing the average fan.
In response to the overwhelming interest, Infantino attributed the frenzy to the unique nature of a North American World Cup. He stated that the combination of the United States, Canada, and Mexico as hosts creates “something special” that has clearly resonated with the global football community.
The run-up to the 2026 World Cup is defined by record-breaking ticket demand, a secondary market with sky-high prices, and a firm stance from FIFA that despite a final sales phase yet to come, every game of the tournament is officially accounted for.