48,504 tickets have been sold during the Visa pre-sale period for the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017 as Russia gears up to welcome to its shores the six continental champions and the reigning FIFA World Cup winners from 17 June to 2 July 2017. As is customary for this competition, 95% per cent of the pre-sale tickets went to fans from the host country, followed by supporters from Chile, Germany, USA, Mexico, England, Spain, Brazil, France and Australia .

“We are very pleased with the enthusiastic response by fans to the pre-sale period for Visa cardholders. It shows the growing anticipation for the tournament of champions, which is a wonderful opportunity for fans to sample a FIFA World Cup atmosphere while watching great football action,” explained FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h.

The most popular fixtures so far have been the final, match for third place and opening game, as well as group matches played at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

Fans will next be able to apply for tickets during the general sales phase, which starts on 1 December 2016. Tickets for all 16 matches will go on sale via www.FIFA.com/tickets, including category 4 tickets which are reserved exclusively for Russian residents. This phase starts just four days after the Draw for the FIFA Confederations Cup in Kazan on 26 November 2016, when fans will find out who plays whom and at which venues during the group-stage matches.