Around 345,000 tickets were put on sale on a first-come, first-served basis in the latest sales window ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Brazil on June 12.

Of these, FIFA say 203,330 - 58 per cent - were sold in five hours.

Most requests for tickets - 143,085 - came from Brazil.

Football fans in the United States, with 16,059 ticket requests, Australia, with 5,357, Colombia, with 4,574 and Argentina, with 3,800, were also quick to try to snap up tickets for the competition.

The sales period is scheduled to run until April 1.

Speaking ahead of the sales window opening, FIFA marketing director in charge of ticketing, Thierry Weil, said: "Starting on Wednesday, Brazilian and international fans once again have the chance to guarantee their seats in the event, which will certainly be one of the most amazing moments in sporting history.

"Fans from 212 countries and territories have already secured their tickets.

"I´m sure they´ll enjoy the unique atmosphere in the country of football."

Thierry Weil, FIFA marketing director in charge of ticketing, says the World Cup in Brazil will provide a unique atmosphere ©Getty Images



Tickets for the opening match in Sao Paulo, the final in Rio de Janeiro and the two semi-finals have not been included in the sales window.

FIFA first put tickets on sale in August last year, with 2.3 million tickets requested during the first 24 hours

And around 220,000 tickets in the second phase of sales sold out in just seven hours in November.

To see the availability of tickets for a given match, click here.