FIFA RECEIVES MORE THAN 500 MILLION APPLICATIONS FOR WORLD CUP TICKETS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

FIFA said on Wednesday that it had received more than 500 million requests for tickets to this year’s World Cup, despite concerns over high prices.

The football governing body said applications came from fans in all 211 of its member nations and territories for the tournament, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The window to submit ticket requests for the lottery closed on Tuesday, and FIFA said fans would be informed if their requests were successful no earlier than February 5.

Outside of the host countries, the highest demand came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia. The most requested match was Colombia versus Portugal in Miami on June 27, followed by Mexico versus South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, and the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19.

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“Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. “We thank football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response. Our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums.”

FIFA has faced criticism over ticket prices for the 48-team tournament, with fan groups calling them “extortionate” and “astronomical.” Football Supporters Europe said prices were nearly five times higher than at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In response, FIFA introduced a lower-priced ticket option in December, costing $60 (51 euros) each.