FIFA
Olayiwola Mercy
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are sold out, despite tickets still being available. This incredible demand has seen 508 million ticket requests in just four weeks for approximately seven million available tickets, with requests coming from over 200 countries.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is expected to generate significant revenue, with Infantino estimating $11 billion or more. This revenue will be reinvested in football across FIFA’s 211 member countries.
Infantino attributes the high demand to the tournament’s location, stating, “I think it is because it’s in America, Canada and Mexico. Everybody wants to be part of something special.” He also addressed concerns over ticket prices, which have been described as “exorbitant” by supporters’ associations.
The dynamic pricing model used in the US means ticket prices can fluctuate, and resale prices may increase. Infantino noted that this is part of the market they’re in, and fans can resell tickets on official platforms.
The World Cup is expected to have a significant economic impact, with an estimated $30 billion contribution to the US economy through tourism, catering, and security investments. The tournament is also expected to attract 20-30 million tourists and create 185,000 full-time jobs.
Infantino expressed confidence in the tournament’s success, stating, “It’s a big impact. I hope this impact will not just be limited to the World Cup but for the future as well.” He emphasized that every dollar generated will be reinvested in football globally.
The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs until July 19, with matches taking place across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Fans can still purchase tickets, with a last-minute sales phase set to begin in April.The sold-out matches are a testament to the tournament’s popularity, and fans are eagerly anticipating the event.
