FIFA World Cup ticket sales near 3 million with over a month to go

Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are approaching three million, organisers of the event have said.

As many as 2.89 million tickets had been sold for the 64 matches to be staged across eight stadiums. Demand has been highest among fans based in Qatar, the US, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the UAE, Argentina, France, Brazil, and Germany.

“We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup. And as you look around the country today, at the state-of-the-art stadiums, the training pitches, the metro, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino during a video message.

FIFA ⚽️ and Qatar 🇶🇦 ready for the best #WorldCup in just over a month’s time, with ticket sales approaching 3⃣ million. FIFA President’s video message and press conference highlights now available on https://t.co/sool5LPtBy: https://t.co/9QxQjes1rh pic.twitter.com/QYkSEHhMdm

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) October 17, 2022

Organisers at a press conference in Doha on October 17 announced an additional 30,000 rooms had been made available to World Cup visitors.

Tickets for all matches will continue to be released until the end of the tournament, with fans encouraged to keep a tab on the FIFA website.

🏆 LIVE: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 pre-tournament update

With one month to go until #Qatar2022, @FIFAWorldCup holds a press conference to share the latest updates on the tournament. https://t.co/zHlnMN5Pvd

— Road to 2022 (@roadto2022en) October 17, 2022

The biggest variety of accommodation is available from the Qatar Accommodation Agency. Rooms can be booked from $80 per person, per night, based on two-person occupancy. Accommodation options include hotels, apartments and fan villages.

“We look forward to welcoming fans and players from across the world as they sample our welcoming hospitality, vast array of entertainment options and, of course, top-class international football,” added Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“It promises to be a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup – and one that will leave a lasting, positive impact on Qatar, the Middle East and the Arab world.”

Tournament organisers also reminded fans to apply for the mandatory Hayya Card, which will act as an entry permit for international fans, and will provide free public transport across the country and access to stadiums.

Organisers also outlined the vast array of entertainment options that will be available to visitors during the tournament. The FIFA Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park will host up to 40,000 fans every day during the tournament, will be free to attend and will screen live matches.

In addition, the 6km Corniche activation from Sheraton Park to the Museum of Islamic Art will feature roving performances, retail stores and food and beverage kiosks.

“We operate over 168 official sites through the compact nature of Qatar, and each one of these sites is essential to the running and successful delivery of this World Cup. Way beyond testing the eight stadiums, the volunteers and accreditation centres are now fully operational, with the ticketing centre at the DECC opening and the IBC and Main Media Centre to follow,” said FIFA chief operating officer – World Cup, Colin Smith.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy said earlier this month that international Hayya Card holders travelling to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup could invite up to three non-ticketed fans to attend the tournament.

Read: International Hayya Card holders can invite up to three non-ticketed fans to attend FIFA World Cup