FIFA World Cup 2026™: South Africa Among Global Fans Driving Record Ticket Demand

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FIFA World Cup 2026™: South Africa Among Global Fans Driving Record Ticket Demand
250911 -- MEXICO CITY, Sept. 11, 2025 -- This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico, shows the ticket presale page on the FIFA World Cup 26 official website. Given the expected high demand, tickets will be released in phases. The first phase, the Visa Presale Draw, requires fans to register a FIFA Fan ID on the official website. Only Visa cardholders over the age of 18 will be eligible to apply. The registration window will run from Sept. 10-19, with successful applicants notified by email starting Sept. 29 and assigned purchase time slots beginning Oct. 1. While tickets for all 104 matches will be put on sale, receiving a timeslot does not guarantee availability. SPMEXICO-MEXICO CITY-FIFA WORLD CUP 26-TICKET PRES PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is officially on, and global excitement has reached unprecedented levels.

FIFA confirmed that more than 500 million ticket requests were submitted during the Random Selection Draw phase, which ran from 11 December 2025 to 13 January 2026, a record-breaking figure in the history of world sport.

South African fans were part of this surge, with thousands applying for tickets to see Bafana Bafana in action.

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa on 11 June in Mexico City ranked among the top five most requested fixtures worldwide, alongside the final in New York and marquee clashes like Colombia vs Portugal.

Global Demand Hits New Heights

Fans placed an average of 15 million ticket requests per day over the 33-day application window, with applications coming from all 211 FIFA Member Associations. Apart from host nations, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the highest demand came from Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, and Colombia.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the response:


“Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand – it’s a global statement. Our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums, but we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

What Happens Next?

FIFA Ticketing will now verify applications and household limits before allocating tickets via a random selection process. Fans will be notified by email no earlier than 5 February. Successful applicants will be charged automatically, while those who miss out will have another chance during the Last-Minute Sales phase, which runs until the end of the tournament on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fans are reminded that FIFA.com/tickets is the official source for ticket purchases. FIFA also operates an official Resale/Exchange Marketplace to protect supporters from unauthorized sales.

Premium Options for South African Fans

For those seeking guaranteed access and a premium matchday experience, hospitality packages are available via FIFA.com/hospitality through On Location, the Official Hospitality Provider. Travel packages from Qatar Airways include match tickets, flights, and accommodation.

Visa and Travel Advisory

A match ticket does not guarantee entry into host countries. South African fans should check visa requirements for Canada, Mexico, and the United States and apply early. FIFA has introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) for U.S. visa applicants, launching soon.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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