The FIFA World Cup is set to be one of the most exciting events of the year. With 104 matches across 16 host cities, the tournament is bigger than ever and coming to the United States for the first time in decades.

Atlanta is hosting eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the tournament.

The Random Selection period of ticketing closed on Jan. 13 after 33 days, according to officials. The round allows anyone wishing to purchase tickets to enter a random drawing for the matches they'd most like to attend.

By the end of the entrance period, half a billion people requested World Cup tickets, according to officials.

What are the top-requested World Cup matches?

When potential spectators put their names in the pot for tickets to some of the World Cup matches, they requested which matches they would most like to see.

Here are the matches that were chosen most.

1. Colombia vs Portugal — Saturday, June 27 in Miami
2. Mexico vs Korea Republic — Thursday, June 18 in Guadalajara
3. The Final (teams TBD) — Sunday, July 19, New York/New Jersey
4. Mexico vs South Africa (tournament's opening match) — Thursday, June 11 in Mexico City
5. Round of 32 match (teams TBD) — Thursday, July 2, Toronto

Officials say the list highlights "the exceptional appeal of both marquee fixtures and knockout-stage encounters across all three host nations."

Where are potential spectators from?

World Cup officials also noted where the 500 million ticket requestors were coming from.

"Half a billion ticket requests in just over a month is more than demand — it's a global statement. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank and congratulate football fans everywhere for this extraordinary response," Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, said in a statement.

The highest number of applicants came from the three host countries: the United States, Canada and Mexico, officials said.

But there were also a dominant number of applications from residents of Germany, England, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Colombia.

"Knowing how much this tournament means to people around the world, our only regret is that we cannot welcome every fan inside the stadiums," Infantino said. "That is why we are committed to creating multiple ways for fans to be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 – through a wide range of fan experiences beyond the stadiums, both in person and online – so that as many people as possible can share in what will be the biggest sporting event ever staged.”

Now that the ticket requests are in, FIFA officials will verify that the applications meet the set requirements and household limits. Then, the ticket winners will be chosen at random. Those who have been awarded a ticket will be alerted after Feb. 5.

Can I still get tickets to the World Cup?

The Random Selection drawing entry period may be closed, but there will be other ways to attend the World Cup.

First, if you would only like to attend a game for a specific team, you may be eligible for a Participating Member Association. Each association has their own process of designating tickets, but members may be able to purchase tickets from a section of tickets pre-determined for supports of their team. Information about PMAs is available on the FIFA ticketing site.

Some fans can also purchase "premium, elevated matchday" ticket experiences through hospitality packages, found at FIFA.com/hospitality, or from On Location, the group curating the experiences for the World Cup.

Qatar Airways is also offering travel packages for out-of-town fans. The packages include match tickets in category 1 or 2, transport in the city and to and from the airport, hotel stays and domestic and international flights.

The FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace will be the last official outlet to buy match tickets. The marketplace will open on the FIFA ticketing site on Dec. 15.

Resale tickets may be available through other, unofficial outlets after that period.