FIFA World Cup Tickets 2026 – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest edition yet, with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From June 11 to July 19, 2026, fans will witness 104 thrilling matches, including expanded group stages and knockout rounds that promise non-stop excitement. If you’re dreaming of securing your spot in the stands, now’s the time to act—official ticket sales kicked off on September 10, 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from registration steps and ticket prices to hospitality options and essential tips to avoid scams. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or planning your first World Cup adventure, here’s how to buy 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets the right way.
FIFA World Cup Tickets 2026 – When Do 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets Go on Sale?
FIFA has structured ticket sales into multiple phases to ensure fair access, starting with lotteries and transitioning to first-come, first-served options. This approach helps manage demand for the tournament’s massive scale, with around 6 million tickets expected to be available overall.
Here’s a tabular overview of the ticket sales phases for easy understanding:
| Phase | Name | Key Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visa Cardholder Presale Lottery | September 10–19, 2025 (opens at 11:00 a.m. ET, closes at 11:00 a.m. ET) | Exclusive to Visa credit or debit cardholders; priority access to about 1 million tickets (roughly one-sixth of total inventory); apply for up to 10 matches; random selection; notifications start September 29, 2025; purchasing time slots begin October 1, 2025; availability may vary by slot. |
| 2 | Early Ticket Draw | October 27–31, 2025 (registration period) | Open to all registered fans (no Visa required); successful applicants get time slots from mid-November to early December 2025 to purchase tickets; builds on Phase 1 as the tournament draw nears. |
| 3 | Random Selection Draw | After December 5, 2025 | Follows the official World Cup draw on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; allows selection of matches with full knowledge of teams and schedules; exact registration dates announced post-draw; purchases likely in early 2026. |
| General Sale | First-Come, First-Served | Starting in spring 2026 | Any unsold tickets available closer to the tournament; no lottery—direct purchase. |
| Resale Platform | Official Resale | Launching later in 2025 | For verified fans to trade tickets at face value; prevents scalping. |
| Hospitality Packages | Premium Options | Available since July 14, 2025 | Includes premium tickets and perks; sold through On Location; details below. |
How to Register and Buy 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets: Step-by-Step Guide
Buying tickets starts with preparation. All purchases happen exclusively through FIFA’s official channels—no third-party sites for initial sales. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a FIFA ID (Free and Essential) Head to FIFA.com/tickets and sign up for a FIFA Ticketing Account. You’ll need an email address, your country/state of residence, and preferred language. This takes just a few minutes and is required for all phases. No payment info or ID is needed upfront. You must be 18 or older to participate.
- Enter the Lottery Phases
- For Phase 1 (Visa presale): Log in with your FIFA ID during September 10–19, 2025, and submit your application using a Visa card. Select up to 10 matches across the 104-game schedule. It’s random, so timing doesn’t matter—early birds aren’t guaranteed better odds.
- For Phases 2 and 3: Follow the same login process during their respective windows. You’ll choose specific matches or team packages for qualified nations (like hosts USA, Canada, Mexico).
- Purchase If Selected Winners get an email with a personalized time window (e.g., 30–60 minutes) to buy. You can snag up to 4 tickets per match, with a maximum of 40 tickets per person across the tournament. Paid via Visa in Phase 1 or other methods later. Tickets are digital, delivered to your FIFA account. Expect dynamic pricing, where costs adjust based on demand—similar to airlines or concerts, and prices can go up or down.
- Team-Specific Packages For fans following a favorite team, look for bundled options in later phases. These guarantee tickets for all group-stage matches (and potentially knockouts) for pre-qualified teams.
Pro Tip: Register today to avoid last-minute rushes. FIFA estimates high demand, so act fast in your purchasing window.
FIFA World Cup Tickets 2026 Prices: What to Expect
FIFA has revealed initial pricing, but with dynamic adjustments, costs could fluctuate based on match popularity, stage, and seat category. This is the first World Cup to use dynamic pricing, aiming to balance supply and demand.
- Group Stage Matches: Starting at $60 for Category 4 (upper-level seats). Most will range from $100–$300, with prime views higher.
- Knockout Rounds: Expect $200–$1,000+, rising for round-of-16 and quarterfinals.
- Semifinals: Around $1,000–$3,000.
- Final (July 19 at MetLife Stadium, NJ): Up to $6,730 for Category 1 (best seats).
These are base prices in USD; taxes and fees apply. About 40% of tickets are allocated for accessibility, including affordable options for locals and families. Full price lists will be confirmed closer to each phase.
Hospitality Packages: Premium Experiences for Die-Hard Fans
If standard tickets aren’t enough, hospitality packages offer luxury perks like VIP lounges, gourmet dining, and exclusive access. Sold through On Location (FIFA’s official provider), these have been available since July 14, 2025, and are already selling out for high-demand matches.
- Options Include:
- Single-Match Packages: From $3,500 per person for basics like premium seating and food/beverage.
- Multi-Match Series: “Follow My Team” or “Venue Series” bundles for $10,000+, covering multiple games with transfers and hospitality.
- Top-Tier Experiences: Champions Club or Pitchside Lounge up to $73,200, including private suites, celebrity meet-and-greets, and all-inclusive everything.
Packages are available for all host cities, with new offerings for Canada and Mexico. Book via FIFA.com/hospitality or authorized agents. These guarantee tickets but at a premium—ideal for corporate groups or ultimate fans.
Alternative Ways to Secure Tickets: FIFA Collect and Right to Buy (RTB)
For early birds, FIFA Collect offers digital “Right to Buy” (RTB) assets—NFT-like tokens that grant priority access to select matches. Purchased via blockchain, these start around $100–$500 and can be traded. It’s not a ticket but a voucher for buying during presales. Check FIFA Collect for availability, especially for marquee games like the final or host-nation openers.
Essential Tips for Buying 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets
- Avoid Scams: Only buy from FIFA.com/tickets or official partners. Fake sites are rampant—report suspicious offers to FIFA. No tickets are transferable until the resale platform launches.
- Plan Your Travel Early: Matches span 16 cities (e.g., LA, NYC, Toronto, Mexico City), so book flights and hotels now. Use regional trains in the Northeast US or budget flights in Mexico. International fans: Check visas/ETAs for all three countries.
- Budget Holistically: Factor in travel ($500–$2,000 per leg), lodging ($200+/night in host cities), and food. Buffer days for delays.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: FIFA reserves tickets for disabilities, youth, and community programs—apply via your FIFA ID if eligible.
- Stay Updated: Follow @FIFAWorldCup on X (formerly Twitter) or sign up for FIFA emails for phase announcements.
FAQ: Common Questions About 2026 World Cup Tickets
Are tickets refundable? No, but the resale platform allows face-value transfers if plans change.
Can I buy tickets for multiple people? Yes, up to 4 per match in lotteries, as long as they’re in your purchasing group, with a max of 40 per person total.
What if I miss a phase? General sales in 2026 will cover leftovers, but popular matches may sell out.
Are there tickets for opening matches? Yes, the opener in Mexico City (June 11) and others are included in all phases.
How many tickets total? Over 6 million, with 2.5 million for the U.S. alone.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your Chance at World Cup Glory
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an unforgettable spectacle, blending soccer’s global passion with North American energy. With sales starting today, registering your FIFA ID is the first step toward securing tickets. Whether you opt for affordable group-stage seats or splurge on hospitality, preparation is key. Stay vigilant against fakes, plan your itinerary, and get ready to cheer— the beautiful game awaits! For the latest updates, visit FIFA’s official site. What’s your must-see match? Share in the comments below.
