FIFA releases more World Cup tickets ahead of 2026 tournament

ISLAMABAD: FIFA has put another batch of tickets on sale for the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament now two weeks away from getting under way in North America.

In an official social media post on Thursday, football’s world governing body said the tickets were being sold on an immediate basis until the available stock runs out. "Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last," it stated.

FIFA had said in April that additional tickets would continue to be released in phases through its official website up to the final on July 19. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said more than five million tickets have already been sold from an estimated total of around seven million expected to be made available for the tournament.

The previous World Cup ticket sales record was 3.5 million, set in 1994 when the competition was last staged in the United States. The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Expanded tournament and pricing criticism

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the event’s history, with 48 teams taking part and 104 matches scheduled.

At the same time, FIFA’s ticketing system and pricing have drawn criticism. The organisation has faced accusations that fans are being asked to pay excessively high amounts to follow their teams during the tournament.

Earlier this week, authorities in New York and New Jersey announced what they described as a thorough investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices. Prosecutors said the process had become a gauntlet of confusion, fake scarcity, and impossibly high prices.

California also said earlier this month that it had contacted FIFA over possible legal violations linked to ticket sales after allegations that some supporters bought seats in categories that were later altered.

Football Supporters Europe has also criticised the pricing model, calling it extortionate and a monumental betrayal. Infantino, however, has defended the prices, saying they reflect strong demand and are suitable for the United States, which will host most of the matches.