World Cup 2026 ticket frenzy: the matchups fans are fighting to see

The countdown to the most anticipated event on the sports calendar has barely started, and it already shows how hungry fans are for the USA-Mexico-Canada World Cup. In just 24 hours after the opening of the third ticketing phase, five million ticket requests poured in from every corner of the world. The numbers confirm that the 2026 edition won’t just be historic for its 48-team format. Demand is smashing every forecast.

Fans from more than 200 countries and territories jumped into the random-selection draw on FIFA’s official portal, driven by the lure of experiencing a tournament that will run from June 11 to July 19 and is already shaping up as an epic. All that despite ferocious criticism over what many fans see as exorbitant ticket pricing.

The matchups sending demand through the roof

The frenzy is global, but a few games have clearly taken center stage. Colombia vs. Portugal in Miami on June 27 is the most requested match of the entire draw, quickly becoming one of the toughest tickets to land. It’s no surprise: both teams come in revived and loaded with young talent, and there’s the small matter of one Cristiano Ronaldo...

Other fixtures with out-of-this-world demand:

Brazil vs Morocco – New York/New Jersey, June 13

Mexico vs South Korea – Guadalajara, June 18

Ecuador vs Germany – New York/New Jersey, June 25

Scotland vs Brazil – Miami, June 24

Countries driving the surge

Setting aside demand from the three host nations, South America is flooding the system. Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Argentina top the list, joined by Panama, which has muscled its way into a regional-dominated top ten.

Scotland, back in a World Cup for the first time in 28 years, is also making itself heard, bagpipes, kilts, jimmy hats and all the rest.

Scottish supporters are flooding the portal with requests for the three group matches their team will play against Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

The draw remains open until January 13, 2026 at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET).

During this phase, fans can request specific matches, seat categories and the number of tickets they want. An official resale and ticket-exchange platform will go live on December 15, 2025.

FIFA has clarified that entering the draw does not guarantee purchase. However, if an applicant is selected, their payment method will be charged automatically per their prior authorization.

Premium options and travel packages

Fans who want to bypass the draw altogether can purchase hospitality packages, which include tickets and premium matchday experiences. These are available on FIFA’s official portal through the authorized provider On Location. Qatar Airways will also offer full travel packages bundling flights, accommodations and match tickets.

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