Contrary to the woeful sales for the upcoming winter Olympics in South Korea, business is booming for World Cup 2018 in Russia, which has seen over a million requests for tickets in the two weeks since the registration period began.
FIFA officials told Sky Sports News that more than 20% of applications have come from outside of Russia, which hosts the summertime tournament that draws the attention of the world every four years. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, the United States, Germany, Colombia, China, Israel and England are among the leaders for foreign applications.
With a price range that starts at approximately $130 (for a group play contest) and tops out at $1,114 (for the tournament final in Moscow), the ticket request period runs through October 12.
In addition to purchasing tickets, all fans hoping to attend the event must apply for a FAN ID – an identity document that will be required for entry as well as carry several benefits regarding travel and visa services in Russia.
If any readers are interested in registering themselves for the random draw can do so by October 12 at noon Moscow time, here are the steps, according to FIFA’s website:
To apply for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ tickets during the Random Selection Draw period described above, please follow the steps:
1. Visit 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ ticketing website at www.FIFA.com/tickets.
2. Open an account by providing your personal details.
3. Apply for Tickets by clicking in the menu item “Apply for Tickets” on www.FIFA.com/tickets.
All Ticket Applicants will receive a confirmation message by e-mail from the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre (FWCTC).
Thus far, eight nations have qualified to play in the tournament, which will see 32 teams converge on Russia next summer. Russia earned a free pass as host nation. Five-time champion Brazil has already qualified as CONMEBOL Round Robin winner, with Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, South Korea and Saudi Arabia also qualified. With just over a month remaining in the qualification stages, 59 teams remain in the hunt for a bid, including the United States.
