How to Secure Tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: A Complete Guide
Sep
Tournament Overview
This will be the first time the FIFA World Cup is hosted by three nations, with matches taking place in iconic cities like New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will feature 48 national teams competing for football’s most prestigious trophy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Ticket Pricing and Categories
Ticket prices start at US$60 for group-stage matches and rise up to US$6,730 for premium seats at the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA is introducing dynamic pricing for the first time at a men’s World Cup, meaning prices can fluctuate based on demand. Fans will initially purchase tickets by category (Category 1, 2, 3, and 4), based on stadium level and location, with specific seat numbers allocated later in the sales process. Hospitality packages, offering premium matchday experiences, are already available.
Ticket Sales Phases
1. Visa Presale Draw
The first phase began on September 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. ET, when registration opened for Visa cardholders. The window closes on September 19, 2025. All applicants will be entered into a lottery, with successful fans notified on September 29. Ticket purchases for selected fans begin October 1, 2025, giving early access to all 104 matches.
2. Early Ticket Draw
The second phase, running from October 27–31, 2025, gives another chance to register. Selected fans will be able to buy tickets in mid-November through early December, offering a second shot for those who missed Phase One.
3. Random Selection Draw
Once the tournament draw takes place on December 5, 2025, fans will know which teams are playing where. Phase Three will allow fans to apply for tickets to specific matches, based on this schedule, through another lottery system.
4. First-Come, First-Served Sales
As the tournament approaches, FIFA will release remaining tickets for direct purchase. Availability will be limited, so fans should be ready to act immediately when this phase opens.
Purchase Rules and Limits
Fans can purchase up to four tickets per match and a maximum of around 40 tickets per person across the tournament. Registration requires a FIFA ID account and, during the Visa Presale Draw, a Visa card is mandatory. Seat selection will not be available during early phases, but seat assignments will follow closer to the tournament.
Resale and Safety
To protect fans from scams and unauthorized sales, FIFA will operate an official resale platform. This marketplace will allow fans to safely buy and sell tickets, often at face value or with limited markups, depending on local regulations. In Mexico, for instance, consumer protection laws may impose stricter limits on resale pricing.
Key Dates to Remember
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Sept 10–19, 2025: Visa Presale Draw registration
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Sept 29, 2025: Notifications for selected fans
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Oct 1, 2025: Phase One ticket purchases begin
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Oct 27–31, 2025: Early Ticket Draw registration window
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Dec 5, 2025: Official tournament draw; Random Selection Draw follows
How to Improve Your Chances
To maximize your chances, create a FIFA ID account now and register for every phase. If possible, use a Visa card for early access. Be flexible about dates, venues, and categories, and set a realistic budget since dynamic pricing can push ticket costs higher for popular matches. Keep an eye on FIFA’s official resale marketplace, which may provide opportunities later, and be ready to act quickly during first-come, first-served sales.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic spectacle, uniting fans across North America and the world. With a multi-phase ticketing system, dynamic pricing, and unprecedented demand, preparation is key. Mark your calendar, register early, and stay flexible—securing tickets will be competitive, but with the right strategy, you can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime football celebration.