RIO DE JANEIRO, March 13 -- More than 80% of tickets available during the penultimate World Cup sales phase have been sold out within a day.

According to football's governing body FIFA, 284,597 of the 345,000 on offer were purchased in the first 24 hours after sales began at 8am (Brasilia time) on Wednesday.

Demand was highest among USA fans, who bought 20,981 tickets, followed by Colombia (5,901), Australia (5,793) and Argentina (4,648).

The current sales period is expected to last until April 1. A last-minute ticketing phase will start on April 15.

The World Cup will be held in 12 Brazilian cities from June 12 to July 13.