In a historic announcement that underscores the unprecedented global appetite for soccer's biggest stage, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that all 104 matches for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 are effectively sold out. Speaking from Florida, Infantino revealed that the governing body received a staggering 508 million ticket requests during the main sales phase—a figure that dwarfs the 7 million total tickets available for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Gianni Infantino World Cup Announcement Shocks Fans
The announcement came during a CNBC interview from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, where the FIFA President detailed the overwhelming demand. "The demand is there. Every match is sold out," Infantino stated, marking a watershed moment for the World Cup 2026 North America. The 508 million requests received in just four weeks represent the highest demand in the history of sports ticketing, surpassing the previous records set by Qatar 2022 and the 1994 tournament in the United States.
For the millions of fans who missed out, the news serves as a harsh reality check. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, the supply-demand imbalance has created a "historic supply shortage," leaving countless supporters scrambling for alternative options.
2026 World Cup Dynamic Pricing and Resale Controversy
While the "sold out" declaration implies no standard inventory remains, the conversation has quickly shifted to the controversial topic of 2026 World Cup dynamic pricing. Unlike previous editions with fixed-rate categories, this year's ticketing model in the United States has allowed prices to fluctuate based on real-time demand.
Infantino addressed the criticism regarding soaring costs, acknowledging that prices for prime matchups have reached what some supporters' groups call "exorbitant" levels. "Ticket prices have been fixed but you have, in the US in particular, something called dynamic prices... that's part of the market we are in," he explained. Currently, resale listings on secondary markets are seeing premiums of 300% to 500% above face value, with seats for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey commanding five-figure sums.
FIFA Ticket Requests 2026: By The Numbers
- Total Requests: 508 million
- Total Inventory: ~7 million tickets
- Oversubscription Rate: ~70:1
- Projected Revenue: $11 billion+
World Cup 2026 Schedule USA and Last Hope for Fans
The expanded format, featuring 48 teams and a record-breaking 104 matches, has done little to dilute demand. The World Cup 2026 schedule USA includes key fixtures in 11 American cities, all of which are now at capacity. However, all hope is not lost for persistent fans. FIFA has confirmed that a limited number of tickets have been held back for a "Last-Minute Sales Phase" beginning in early April 2026.
This final window will operate on a strict first-come, first-served basis, contrasting with the random selection draws that characterized the earlier phases. Additionally, the official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is scheduled to reopen on April 2, 2026, giving fans a secure platform to buy and sell tickets at authorized price points, potentially mitigating the wild inflation seen on unauthorized third-party sites.
Economic Impact and Tournament Scale
The 2026 World Cup sold out status is a bullish signal for the tournament's economic potential. Infantino projects the event will generate over $11 billion in revenue for FIFA, with a wider economic impact on the United States estimated at $30 billion. Beyond the stadiums, the influx of 20 to 30 million tourists is expected to create approximately 185,000 full-time jobs across the host nations of the US, Canada, and Mexico.
As the countdown to the opening whistle continues, the focus now turns to logistics, security, and the final preparations for what promises to be the most attended—and most exclusive—sporting event in human history.
