FIFA hail record World Cup ticket sales after backlash as England supporter numbers released - The Mirror

FIFA chiefs say ticket requests 'set a new benchmark for demand in the history of world sport' after backtracking on outrageously expensive prices for the 2026 World Cup

England are set to be in the top 10 of best supported nations at the World Cup, despite the controversy over ticket prices.

More than half a billion ticket requests were made during the latest ticket sales phase, which ended on Tuesday. Fans across the globe placed an average of 15million ticket requests per day over the 33-day application window.

FIFA claimed that the number of requests 'set a new benchmark for demand in the history of world sport'. Host countries United States, Mexico and Canada topped the league of nations for ticket requests.

After the hosts, the highest demand came from fans in Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia. The most popular was Colombia vs Portugal on Saturday, 27 June in Miami. Then came Mexico vs Korea Republic in Guadalajara on June 18; the final in New York and tournament opener Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico Cityon June 11.

The round-of-32 match in Toronto July 2 was also in huge demand from fans in Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response.

"Knowing how much this tournament means to people around the world, our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums. That is why we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the world cup."

Supporters will be able to be part of the action online, so that "as many people as possible can share in what will be the biggest sporting event ever staged," he added. FIFA unveiled a new £45 ($60) tier for every match this summer after backlash from fans.

Their spokesperson said: "Fans of the teams will benefit from a dedicated ticket pricing tier, designed to make following teams on football’s greatest stage more affordable. The Supporter Entry Tier is available at the fixed price of USD 60 per ticket for each of the 104 matches, including the final.

"Each Participating Member Association (PMA) is allocated eight per cent of the tickets for each match in which they take part. These allocations are set at a fixed price for the duration of the current ticket sales phase.

"In total, 50 per cent of each PMA allocation will fall within the most affordable range, namely Supporter Value Tier (40 percent) and the Supporter Entry Tier (10 per cent). The seating arrangements are in line with what we have previously delivered for previous tournaments.

"It is important to note, as a not-for-profit organisation, the revenue FIFA generates from the World Cup is reinvested to fuel the growth of the game (men, women, youth) throughout FIFA’s 211 member associations globally."

More than 90 per cent of FIFA's budgeted investments for 2023 to 2026 went back in the game. It did "significantly boost global football development", say FIFA. Without it, more than half of the member nations could not operate, they added.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.