WeeklySA_AdminBUILD-UP: Demand for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico has surged to record levels, with FIFA selling nearly all tickets released so far—while concerns grow over affordability for local fans…
By Julien Pretot
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said demand for tickets to the 2026 World Cup had reached unprecedented levels, with 500 million requests already recorded for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“You’ve heard, there were many discussions about the ticketing of the World Cup,” Infantino said at the FIFA Congress yesterday.
“We had 500 million ticket requests — 500 million ticket requests. In the last two World Cups together, we had 50 million ticket requests. Here, 500 million.”
Infantino said FIFA had already sold the vast majority of tickets released, so far. “We’ve sold 100% of the inventory that we’ve put on the market, which is, more or less, 90% of the global inventory so far,” he said. “And of course, we are always putting tickets on the market.”
Ticketing has emerged as a sensitive issue in the build-up to the tournament, with concerns raised about affordability and access for local fans.
“There are expensive tickets, yes, but there are also affordable tickets,” Infantino added.
Soccer’s world governing body is expected to continue releasing batches of tickets in phases, a strategy designed to manage demand while maximising revenue for what is set to be the most lucrative World Cup in history.
Mzansi fans’ dream trip
Twenty South African supporters stand a chance to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup live, as the Department of Sport,
Arts and Culture launches a nationwide competition rewarding passion, club loyalty, and national pride with an all-expenses-paid football experience…
South African soccer fans have been handed a golden opportunity to turn their passion into a passport, with a new competition offering a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Through this competition, 20 passionate South African supporters will be selected to travel to either the United States or Mexico to attend one of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) announced the launch of the Mzansi to the World Cup Lucky Fans Competition, a bold initiative aimed at celebrating South Africa’s vibrant football culture.
The initiative forms part of DSAC’s broader commitment to uniting the nation through sport, promoting national pride, and showcasing the energy and spirit of Mzansi on the global stage.
Fans from all 16 Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs will have an opportunity to represent their teams, with additional wildcard entries ensuring that every South African supporter has a fair chance to participate, regardless of club affiliation.
To enter, members of the public are required to visit the official DSAC website (https://dsacevents.dsac.gov.za/DSAC_LuckyFan_WC26/) to access the submission link and competition details.
Participants must upload a 30-second video demonstrating their passion for football, their club loyalty, and why they deserve to represent South Africa at the World Cup.
The department encourages all South Africans to take part in this exciting campaign by visiting the DSAC website, submitting their entries, and proudly showcasing the passion, diversity, and unity that define our nation.”
Winners will receive a fully sponsored travel package, including international flights, accommodation, match tickets, and ground transport.
The Minister and Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture will officially announce the winners on 5 May 2026. – Reuters/Fullview/SAnews.gov.za
