A World Cup in Qatar is not affecting ticket sales for the tournament. According to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, organizers already sold nearly 3 million total tickets for the upcoming competition.
In a video recently released by FIFA, Infantino claimed that the 2022 World Cup was always going to be successful. “We have always said that Qatar will deliver the best-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup,” proclaimed Infantino. “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.“
“The world is excited,” continued the FIFA president. “Qatar is ready. The stage is set. Together, we will deliver the best World Cup ever on and off the field.”
Official ticket sales are currently at 2.89 million for the 64-game tournament. There is still just over a month to go before the World Cup begins in Qatar. Infantino also stated that Qatar, the USA, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany are the 10 countries that purchased the most tickets.
Per FIFA, soccer fans in the United States have bought more tickets to the World Cup than any other country, other than the host nation. The top 10 are:
Qatar (host country)USASaudi ArabiaEnglandMexicoUAEArgentinaFranceBrazilGermany
World Cup ticket sales
Along with the impressive total amount of tickets sold, fans have also bought a huge number of hospitality packages as well. In fact, the 240,000 packages sold has already broken World Cup records in this category. Organizers are also saying that 63% of these hospitality packages sold are coming from outside of Qatar.
In fact, Infantino claimed that an additional 30,000 hotel and apartment rooms are now available. Prices for these rooms start at $80 per night, based on a two-person occupancy.
Along with the updated ticket sales figures, organizers also reminded foreign fans to apply for the Hayya Card. This card is essentially an entry permit for all people traveling to Qatar for the World Cup.
With still another month to go before the tournament begins, FIFA can expect ticket sales to increase even more. Sales were previously at 2.45 million during FIFA’s last calculation in August.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Pacific Press Agency
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