5M ticket requests in 24 hours! FIFA World Cup 2026 demand explodes for Colombia vs Portugal & more. Full guide to Random Selection Draw, hottest matches, and how to score tickets before Jan 13.
The biggest soccer party on Earth hasn’t even kicked off yet, but the frenzy is real. Just one day after the third phase of ticket sales launched on December 11, 2025, FIFA announced a jaw-dropping 5 million ticket requests from fans in over 200 countries and territories. This surge comes hot on the heels of the World Cup draw, finally revealing exact matchups for the historic first-ever 48-team tournament set to light up North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
For the first time, supporters can apply for tickets to specific games – and they’re not holding back. Despite vocal backlash over skyrocketing prices and dynamic pricing strategies that have pushed some group-stage seats into the hundreds (and finals into the thousands), demand is shattering expectations. Is this the ultimate proof that nothing stops true football passion, or a sign that FIFA’s bold hosting vision across Canada, Mexico, and the USA is paying off big time?
Global Stars Collide in Epic Group-Stage Clashes
The Random Selection Draw phase has spotlighted the hottest tickets, with intercontinental battles dominating the wishlist:
- Colombia vs Portugal (Miami, June 27) – Top spot, blending South American flair with European pedigree.
- Brazil vs Morocco (New York New Jersey, June 13)
- Mexico vs Korea Republic (Guadalajara, June 18)
- Ecuador vs Germany (New York New Jersey, June 25)
- Scotland vs Brazil (Miami, June 24)
These five fixtures represent teams from five continents, proving the expanded format’s magic in creating dream matchups early. Scotland’s inclusion highlights their emotional return after 28 years, while South American heavyweights like Brazil and Colombia are drawing massive interest.
A Truly Pan-American Party
Host nations dominate requests:
- USA, Mexico, and Canada lead the pack.
But the Americas are stealing the show:
- Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, and Panama crack the top 10.
Europe isn’t far behind with England, Scotland, Germany, and France showing strong support. Australia rounds out the list, underscoring the tournament’s global pull.
This regional boom signals how the 2026 World Cup is uniting the continent like never before – from passionate neighbors traveling north to diaspora communities ready to paint stadiums in their colors.
How to Join the Rush: Your Last Big Chance for Official Tickets
The Random Selection Draw is open until January 13, 2026, at 11:00 ET – and crucially, when you apply doesn’t matter. It’s pure lottery luck.
- Head to FIFA/tickets
- Pick specific matches, categories, and up to 4 tickets per game (max 40 total per household)
- No upfront payment – winners get charged automatically in February
Miss out? The official Resale/Exchange Marketplace opens December 15, 2025. For guaranteed premium experiences, check hospitality packages at FIFA.com/hospitality or all-inclusive travel bundles via Qatar Airways.
Demand vs. Controversy:
While FIFA celebrates the “extraordinary levels” of interest as validation for the expanded format and North American hosting, not everyone’s cheering. Supporter groups have slammed “extortionate” prices – some group games now topping $700, finals nearing five figures – calling it a shift toward corporate crowds over die-hard fans.
Yet the numbers don’t lie: 5 million requests in Day 1, on top of nearly 2 million tickets already sold in earlier phases. For FIFA, it’s mission accomplished – reinvesting revenues into global football development.
This isn’t just another World Cup. With 104 matches across 16 iconic venues, three host nations, and 48 teams, it’s the most inclusive and expansive ever. The early ticket explosion? It’s fans voting with their wallets for unforgettable moments in legendary stadiums.
