The countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ is already electrifying global football fans as over 1.5 million applications flooded in within the first 24 hours of the Presale Draw opening. From 210 countries, supporters submitted their hopes to be among the first to attend the expanded 48-team spectacle co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The unprecedented demand underlines the tournament’s massive appeal — and warns that snagging tickets will be far from easy.
What We Know So Far
- Who’s Applying: Top application numbers are coming from the three host nations — United States, Mexico, and Canada. Following closely behind are Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, England, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
- How It Works: The Presale Draw is the first phase of ticket allocation. Fans from 210 countries have until 19 September at 11:00 AM ET (17:00 CET) to enter. All entries are treated equally — entry time doesn’t affect selection.
- What Happens After Entries Close: Starting 29 September, successful applicants will be notified via email. Ticket purchases will begin from 1 October based on allocated time-slots.
- Ticket Pricing & Phases: Entry-price group-stage tickets begin at USD 60. Expect dynamic pricing to adjust depending on demand. Further ticket phases will follow after the presale.
Why It’s Significant
- Record global demand: Getting 1.5 million applications in a single day shows just how huge the appetite is for the next World Cup. With 48 teams and 104 matches, it’s set to be the biggest edition ever.
- Competition for tickets will be fierce: With more applications than tickets, many fans will miss out. The lottery/draw system means luck plays a big role.
- Dynamic pricing & phases: Prices are likely to rise for high-demand matches or host cities. Staying alert for future phases will be key.
What to Watch Out for Tomorrow & Over the Coming Days
- Ticket demand breakdown: Expect more data on which matches and host cities are drawing the highest interest.
- Technical issues: Some applicants have already reported site slowdowns and glitches. Organizers will need to ensure smoother access as the rush continues.
- Official communications: Fans should watch for updates clarifying rules, eligibility, ticket categories, and terms.
- Comparisons: Observers will be watching how this presale stacks up against past World Cups or other mega sporting events in terms of demand and pricing.
What It Means for Fans
- Act now: The presale draw closes on 19 September. Don’t miss the deadline.
- Set expectations: Applying does not guarantee tickets. Be ready for disappointment even if selected.
- Budget carefully: Ticket costs, travel, and hospitality add-ons can add up quickly.
- Stick to official sources: Always use the official ticketing site and updates to avoid scams.
Conclusion
The early numbers are clear: the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has entered full-throttle excitement mode. With more than 1.5 million fans already in the queue, the presale phase is shaping up as both a thrill and a challenge. For supporters, this moment marks the beginning of what could be the biggest, boldest, and most attended World Cup in history.