The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already sparked an unprecedented wave of excitement across the globe, and nowhere is this more evident than in the sheer volume of ticket applications flooding FIFA’s system. Within the first 24 hours of the Visa Presale Draw opening on September 10, 2025, FIFA confirmed that more than 1.5 million fans from a remarkable 210 countries had thrown their hats in the ring for a shot at attending the world’s largest football spectacle. The demand, according to FIFA, is being driven primarily by residents of the three host nations—United States, Mexico, and Canada—while Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, England, Spain, Portugal, and Germany also feature prominently in the top ten.
“The large number of entries submitted is a testament to the huge amount of excitement sparked across the globe by the FIFA World Cup 26 and the extent to which it’s set to become a watershed in football history,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 26 Chief Operating Officer, in a statement that captured the feverish anticipation enveloping the football community.
This first phase, known as the Visa Presale Draw, is exclusive to Visa cardholders and serves as the opening act in a multi-phase ticketing process. The presale, which runs until September 19, 2025, is a lottery system: timing of entry doesn’t affect one’s chances, and successful applicants will be notified starting September 29. For those lucky enough to receive an email, ticket purchases open on October 1, 2025. The next phase of ticket sales is scheduled from October 27 to October 31, with further purchase windows for lottery winners stretching from mid-November into early December. All told, about one million tickets are expected to be available during this initial presale window.
Ticket prices are set to start at $60 for group-stage matches, but in a move sure to keep fans on their toes, FIFA is implementing dynamic pricing for the first time. This means ticket costs will fluctuate in real time based on demand—a system that could see prices soar for high-profile clashes or drop for less sought-after fixtures. Beyond single-match tickets, fans will have the option to purchase venue-specific and team-specific packages, while hospitality offerings can be secured via FIFA.com/hospitality. FIFA has also issued a stern warning: only tickets bought through its official channels will be valid, and purchases from unauthorized sellers may leave fans out in the cold.
While the excitement is palpable, the rollout of the presale hasn’t been entirely smooth. Reports from applicants indicate that the first day was marred by technical glitches, with some facing lengthy waits, error messages, or even being kicked back to the start of the application process. Nevertheless, the overwhelming response signals that these hiccups have done little to dampen global enthusiasm for the tournament.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup is set to be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams and an eye-watering 104 matches across 16 host cities in North America. All games are initially available for purchase in this first phase, giving fans plenty of opportunities to secure their place at what promises to be a landmark event for the sport.
One of the most iconic venues, Mexico City’s Azteca stadium, is undergoing renovations and will boast 90,000 seats, including 12,500 individual box spaces. In a unique arrangement, box and suite holders at the stadium—who benefit from a 99-year contractual right dating back to the stadium’s construction in 1966—will have free access to all five matches hosted at the venue, including the tournament opener. These privileged fans must register via a dedicated website, with further details to be announced by FIFA in due course.
As the world’s attention turns to North America, cities like Kansas City are gearing up to welcome an influx of international visitors. Kansas City International Airport (KCI), which opened a new single terminal in 2023, is preparing to serve as the city’s “first hello” to the world. Airport staff are working hand-in-hand with security partners, airlines, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure a seamless experience for travelers. According to Justin Meyer, deputy director of aviation at KCI, “We have plenty of capacity in terms of runways, gates and in terms of throughput.” He added, “Our international arrivals throughput is probably among the fastest in the United States. We’re really proud of the work that’s been done to prepare.”
KC2026, the organization overseeing the city’s World Cup preparations, estimates that around 650,000 people will descend on the Kansas City region for the tournament. To accommodate this surge, Johnson County Transit has leased 50 buses and purchased 10 more, launching a new route that will run from KCI to Johnson County every 20 minutes throughout the event. The airport’s experience hosting the 2023 NFL Draft—a major logistical challenge in its own right—has provided a valuable blueprint for handling the unique demands of the World Cup. Meyer remarked, “We think that the NFL Draft was a pretty good training platform for us, especially as the demographic of the travelers changed.”
Airport officials are eagerly awaiting the FIFA World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, which will reveal which teams are set to play in Kansas City. This information will allow for further customization of the airport experience, with Meyer hinting at “some fun opportunities from some activations that we’ll be rolling out in the next few months.”
Yet, amid all this enthusiasm, there are challenges on the horizon. According to a new report titled “Pitches in Peril,” published by Football for Future and Common Goal, venues set to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches are at increased risk of extreme conditions brought on by heat, storms, and drought. This environmental warning, discussed on September 12, 2025, underscores the importance of robust contingency planning and adaptation strategies as the tournament approaches. With climate concerns looming, the world will be watching not just for the action on the pitch, but also for how host cities and FIFA manage these evolving threats.
As anticipation mounts and ticket demand continues to surge, the stage is set for a World Cup unlike any before. Whether braving technical glitches, preparing airports and transit systems, or addressing environmental risks, organizers and fans alike are gearing up for a summer of football history in the making. The next few months promise plenty of twists, turns, and, no doubt, more records to be broken as the beautiful game prepares to take center stage in North America.
