The first random selection draw for tickets to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia ends Thursday at noon, Moscow time.
The World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2018, with host Russia playing the opening match. The tournament final will be held on July 15, 2018.
The second round of ticket sales will begin on Dec. 5.
More than 1.5 million tickets had been requested by football fans as of Oct. 4, with Russian applicants making up 70 percent of the ticket requests, according to the FIFA website.
There will be 32 teams in the tournament draw, with 31 having qualified for the tournament and Russia securing their place as hosts. Teams from England, Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Germany have already qualified, with Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland still hoping to earn a place.
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