FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Sale Dates, How to Buy & Official Resale Guide
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun. For the first time in history, the tournament will span three countries with matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Fans worldwide are asking the same question: how do I get tickets?
FIFA has opened ticket sales in multiple phases rather than a single rush. Prices start at $60 for select group stage matches and climb to $6,730 for premium final seats. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It features 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities. About 6.5 million tickets will be available, but with millions of fans competing for seats, early planning makes all the difference.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know. From sale dates and pricing to buying strategies and resale options, you will find clear answers to help secure your spot at the world’s biggest sporting event.
Tournament Quick Facts at a Glance:
| Start Date | June 11, 2026 |
| End Date | July 19, 2026 |
| Total Teams | 48 teams |
| Total Matches | 104 games |
| Host Cities | 16 cities |
| USA Venues | 11 stadiums |
| Mexico Venues | 3 stadiums |
| Canada Venues | 2 stadiums |
| Final Location | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey |
| Available Tickets | 6.5 million |
| Official Website | FIFA.com/tickets |
| Next Sale | October 27-31, 2025 |
All tickets are digital only. No physical tickets will be issued. Ticket sales happen exclusively through FIFA.com/tickets.
2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Sale Dates & Phases
FIFA divides ticket sales into four clear phases. Most phases work through a lottery system, while the final one uses a first-come process. Joining more than one phase gives fans a better chance to secure seats.
| Phase | Dates | Who Can Apply | System Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Visa Presale Draw | September 10–19, 2025 | Visa cardholders only | Lottery | Completed |
| Phase 2 – Early Ticket Draw | October 27–31, 2025 | Open to everyone | Lottery | Next opportunity |
| Phase 3 – Post-Draw Sales | Starts December 5, 2025 | Open to everyone | Lottery | After draw announcement |
| Phase 4 – Last-Minute Sales | Spring 2026 | Open to everyone | First-come | Final phase |
Phase 1 – Visa Presale Draw (Completed)
This first phase ran from September 10 to 19, 2025, and drew about 4.5 million applicants. Only Visa cardholders were allowed to register. Winners began purchasing tickets on October 1, 2025. Most of the $60 tickets sold out in minutes, leaving many fans empty-handed.
Phase 2 – Early Ticket Draw (Next Opportunity)
This round opens October 27–31, 2025, and is open to everyone. You can register with any card type, but payments must still be completed using a Visa card. Purchase windows will run from mid-November to early December 2025. The draw is random, so applying early does not improve your chances.
Phase 3 – Post-Draw Sales
Starting December 5, 2025, after the official tournament draw, fans can apply for specific matches once they know which teams play where. This phase is ideal for those who want to follow their team or watch famous rivalries. It still uses the lottery system but offers more control and clarity.
Phase 4 – Last-Minute Sales
The final phase begins in spring 2026 and switches to a first-come, first-served format. Only leftover tickets will be available, and they are expected to sell out in minutes. Fast internet and quick action make all the difference here.
FIFA allows each person to buy up to four tickets per match and forty tickets total across the tournament. Not every ticket appears at once, so entering multiple phases is the smartest way to improve your odds.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Options
Fans can choose from several ticket types based on their plans.
Single-Match Tickets
These let you buy one seat for one specific game. You can select from any stage. This includes group matches all the way to the final. This option offers maximum flexibility for fans attending just one or two games.
Venue Packages
These cover all group stage matches at a single stadium. Packages also include one knockout round game at that same venue. They work well for fans planning to stay in one city. You get multiple matches without traveling between venues.
Team Packages
These follow one nation through all three group matches. Packages also include one Round of 32 match if that team advances to the next round. FIFA typically refunds these packages when a team fails to qualify for the tournament. The three host nations do not have team packages available. USA, Canada and Mexico fans must use other ticket types.
Country Allocations
Each participating nation’s soccer federation receives a block of tickets. They sell these directly to their supporters. Check your national team’s official website for their specific application process. Requirements vary by country.
Hospitality Packages
These offer a premium experience and are already on sale through FIFA’s partner On Location. Packages start at $1,350 per person. They include guaranteed tickets, premium seating, food, drinks and VIP lounge access. The highest-tier packages for MetLife Stadium matches reach $73,200 per person. These packages skip the lottery entirely. They guarantee entry to matches.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices & Categories
Ticket prices vary dramatically based on match importance and seat location.
| Match Stage | Starting Price | Maximum Price |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 | $620 |
| Round of 32 | $125 | $440 |
| Round of 16 | $170 | $640 |
| Quarterfinals | Not disclosed | $1,690 |
| Semifinals | $420 | $2,780 |
| Final | $2,030 | $6,730 |
Group stage matches start at $60 for Category 4 seats. These seats are in upper corners. The reality from Phase 1 shows these cheap seats barely exist. Most available tickets fall into Category 1 and 2. These cost $300 to $620 for standard group games.
Opening Match Premium Pricing
| Host Nation | Venue | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Estadio Azteca | $745 – $1,825 |
| Canada | BMO Field, Toronto | $355 – $1,745 |
| USA | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | $1,120 – $2,735 |
These higher prices reflect guaranteed team participation and massive demand. The USA opener at SoFi Stadium is the most expensive.
Ticket Categories Explained
FIFA divides seating into four categories. They do not sell specific rows at purchase time.
Category 1: Lower bowl near midfield. Best views and highest prices.
Category 2: Mid-level or second deck seats along sidelines. Good balance of view and cost.
Category 3: Upper sections behind the goals. More affordable with decent atmosphere.
Category 4: Upper corners. Cheapest option at $60 to $105 but extremely scarce.
If you want to understand how dynamic pricing works and why stadium location changes the ticket cost? Check our full guide on FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket pricing.
How to Buy World Cup 2026 Tickets
The buying process requires several clear steps.
Step 1: Create Your FIFA ID
Go to FIFA.com/tickets. This account is mandatory for all ticket applications and purchases. Registration takes about five minutes. Add your personal information and verify your email address. Keep your login credentials secure.
Step 2: Enter the Lottery
For Phase 2, log in between October 27 and October 31, 2025. Select the matches or packages you want. You can apply for multiple options. Confirm your entries before the window closes. Applying early offers no advantage. FIFA selects winners randomly.
Step 3: Wait for Results
FIFA emails notifications to selected applicants. Check your spam folder regularly. Winners receive an assigned date and time slot for purchasing. Not everyone gets selected. This is why entering multiple phases matters so much.
Step 4: Purchase During Your Slot
Log in at your exact assigned time. Browse the tickets still available at that moment. Popular matches sell quickly even within winner time slots. Make your selections and complete payment. You must use a Visa card for payment. You receive a confirmation email immediately after purchase.
Step 5: Download Your Tickets
Tickets do not appear in your account immediately. FIFA loads them into the official app closer to match dates. This prevents fraud and fake sales. Download the FIFA ticketing app. Your tickets will work offline once downloaded.
Purchase Limits:
- Maximum 4 tickets per match
- Maximum 40 tickets total for tournament
- Linked to your FIFA ID
If you want to get tickets without entering the draw or winning the lottery, follow this guide.
FIFA 26 Important Rules & Limits
FIFA enforces strict rules to keep the system fair.
Every ticket links to a FIFA ID account. You cannot create multiple accounts to bypass purchase limits. Large groups need multiple people to enter the lottery separately.
Ticket Transfers
Tickets can be transferred officially through the FIFA app. You can send them to friends or family members. Both parties need FIFA accounts for transfers to work. The process happens digitally. Both parties receive confirmation emails.
Accessibility Options
Accessibility tickets are available for fans with disabilities. These include:
- Wheelchair spaces
- Easy-access seats
- Companion tickets
Indicate your needs during the application process. Limited quantities exist per venue.
Reselling Rules
Reselling outside the official FIFA platform is prohibited. Violating this rule has serious consequences. Your tickets can be cancelled with no refund. Your FIFA ID can be suspended from future purchases. FIFA uses digital verification and name matching at stadium entry.
If you want to get tickets without entering the draw or winning the lottery, follow this guide.
Official Resale Platform & Secondary Market
FIFA operates its own resale system within the official ticketing platform. This is the only safe way to buy or sell tickets when plans change.
FIFA Resale Platform
You want to buy or resell your ticket, go to https://fwc26-resale-usd.tickets.fifa.com. Mexican residents can exchange their ticket through this platform.
- 15% commission to seller
- 15% commission to buyer
- Total fee: 30% per transaction
- No price cap (except Mexico)
- Safe and verified transactions
Some tickets already appear on the platform for $10,000 or more.
Avoid Third-Party Sites
Sites like StubHub and SeatGeek show World Cup tickets. Most are speculative listings though. Sellers post tickets they do not actually own. They hope to fulfill orders later.
This creates serious risk. FIFA only guarantees tickets sold through official channels. Buying from unauthorized sellers can result in invalid tickets. You might lose your money with no recourse.
Stick exclusively with FIFA.com/tickets for purchases.
Travel & Visa Information
A ticket does not replace entry requirements for the three host countries.
United States: Visitors may need a tourist visa or ESTA authorization. Requirements depend on your nationality. Apply at least two to three months in advance at travel.state.gov.
Canada: Requires an Electronic Travel Authorization for many countries. Apply at canada.ca. Processing takes about a month.
Mexico: Issues tourist cards to most visitors. Some nationalities need visas. Check requirements at inm.gob.mx.
Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. This is a standard requirement for international travel.
Attending matches in multiple countries means satisfying entry requirements for each nation. Plan border crossings carefully and allow extra travel time.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets FAQs
Do children pay full price?
Yes. FIFA has not announced youth discounts for 2026. Past tournaments charged the same price regardless of age.
Can I transfer my ticket?
Yes. You can transfer tickets through the official FIFA app. Both sender and recipient need FIFA accounts.
What happens if a match gets postponed?
Your ticket remains valid for the new date and time. Canceled matches receive refunds at face value to your original payment method.
Can I buy tickets at stadiums?
No. All sales happen online through FIFA’s digital platform. Physical box offices will not sell tickets.
Do tickets work across all three countries?
Yes. Your same FIFA account and app cover matches everywhere. One unified system handles USA, Canada and Mexico.
Do I need internet at the stadium?
No. Downloaded tickets work offline. Load tickets to your device at your hotel before heading to the venue.
Can I re-enter after leaving?
No. Each ticket allows one entry only. Once you exit, you cannot return on the same ticket.
Create your FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets today. This takes only five minutes and prepares you for the next sale. Mark October 27-31, 2025 on your calendar for Phase 2 registration.
Set multiple reminders so you do not miss the window. With early preparation and smart planning, you can secure your place at the world’s biggest tournament.
