FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed that demand for tickets to the 2026 World Cup has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 150 million requests submitted in just 15 days.
Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Infantino defended the pricing structure for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ticket costs had drawn criticism from fan groups earlier this month, with prices significantly higher than those at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In response to concerns over affordability, FIFA introduced a $60 ticket category aimed at supporters of qualified teams. Infantino said the overwhelming demand justified the pricing strategy.
FIFA are expected to place between six and seven million tickets on sale for the tournament, yet the governing body received an average of 10 million ticket requests per day during the initial sales window.
Infantino described the figures as extraordinary, noting that FIFA has sold a total of 44 million World Cup tickets across nearly 100 years of tournament history. He added that the recent surge in demand alone could have filled hundreds of past World Cups.
According to Infantino, fans from the United States submitted the highest number of ticket requests, followed by supporters from Germany and the United Kingdom.
The FIFA president also stressed that revenue generated from the World Cup plays a vital role in developing football globally. He said the funds are reinvested to support the sport in more than 150 countries, helping sustain football systems where resources are limited.
During the event, Infantino also confirmed that Dubai will host next year’s FIFA Best Awards ceremony. The annual awards celebrate the top male and female players, coaches and teams, with voting involving fans, media representatives, national team captains and coaches.
France forward Ousmane Dembélé was named men’s player of the year in 2025, while Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s award.
