FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Sale Dates, How to Buy & Official Resale Guide
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has started. For the first time, the tournament will take place across three countries with games in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Fans have waited years for this moment and the question on everyone’s mind is simple. How do I get tickets?
FIFA has now shared the key details. The ticket sale will not be a one-day rush. It will roll out in phases with presales, lotteries and a last-minute window.
Prices start at an affordable level for group matches but reach sky-high numbers for the final. With millions of fans expected, knowing the process early is the only way to improve your chances.
This guide walks you through everything step by step. From dates and prices to resale options and rules. It is built to help fans find clear answers before the gates open.
Table of Contents
Key Ticket Sale Dates & Phases
FIFA will sell World Cup 2026 tickets in different stages. Each phase gives fans a new chance to apply or buy.
Here is the full timeline in simple form:
| Phase | Dates | How it Works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Presale Draw | Sept 10–19, 2025 | Fans enter a lottery using a Visa card | Random draw, no rush to apply early |
| Early Ticket Draw | Oct 27–Nov 2025 | Same lottery system, open to all cards | Purchase slots in Nov and early Dec |
| Post-Draw Phase | After Dec 5, 2025 | Tickets tied to exact matchups after the World Cup draw | Best time to target specific games |
| Last-Minute Sales | Spring 2026 | First-come, first-served online sales | Remaining tickets, fast sell-out expected |
Every phase has limits, and not all tickets will be available at once. Fans should enter more than one phase if they want a better chance.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Options
Fans will see more than one type of ticket when sales open. Each option is built for different needs.
- Single-Match Tickets: Buy a seat for one specific game, from the group stage all the way to the final.
- Venue Packages: Cover all group games plus one knockout round in a single host city. A good pick if you want to stay in one place.
- Team Packages: Follow one team through all three group matches. If that team does not qualify, FIFA will refund the purchase.
- Country Allocations: Each national federation, like USA Soccer or the English FA, will sell a block of tickets to their own supporters.
- Hospitality Packages: These include food, premium seating and extras. They are already on sale through FIFA’s partner On Location.
Having these choices means fans can decide between chasing one team, sticking to one city or picking single games that fit their schedule.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices & Categories
World Cup tickets will not cost the same for every match. FIFA has set a wide range of prices.
- Group stage games will start at about $60.
- The final will begin at $6,730 for top seats.
FIFA will also use dynamic pricing. That means prices can go up when demand is high and drop if games are not selling well.
Seats are divided into categories instead of exact rows at the time of purchase:
- Category 1: Lower bowl seats, close to the pitch.
- Category 2: Mid or second deck.
- Category 3 and 4: Upper deck or behind the goals.
Fans will see stadium maps later that show which sections belong to each category. This system is different from U.S. sports tickets where you usually pick your row and seat.
How to Buy World Cup 26 Tickets
The buying process can feel complex, but it is easier if you follow a clear path.
- Create a FIFA ID – You need this account to apply and purchase.
- Enter the presale window – From Sept 10 to Sept 19, 2025, you can join the Visa lottery. Later phases will open to all cards.
- Wait for the result – FIFA will email you if you get a purchase slot.
- Use your time slot – Log in at the given date and buy from the options still available.
- Check later phases – If you miss out, more draws and a last-minute sale will follow.
Remember that tickets will not show up in your account right away. FIFA will load them into the app closer to the match to stop fake sales.
Also check:
Official Resale Platform & Secondary Market
FIFA will run its own resale system inside the ticketing app. This is the safest way to buy or sell a ticket if your plans change. Prices will not have a cap, except in Mexico where resale will be limited.
Big sites like StubHub, SeatGeek and others already show World Cup tickets. Most of these are speculative listings. That means sellers post tickets they do not yet own, hoping to fill the order later. Buying from them carries risk because FIFA only guarantees tickets sold on its own platform.
Fans should stick with the official site to avoid problems.
Hospitality Packages
Fans who want a premium matchday can buy hospitality packages. These are already on sale through FIFA’s official partner, On Location.
Hospitality comes in different levels. You can buy single match access, a full venue series, a team series, or even a private suite. Packages include food, drinks, and upgraded seating. Prices are high, often thousands of dollars per person, but they guarantee entry without going through the lottery system.
This option is built more for businesses or fans who want a luxury experience at the tournament.
Important Rules & Limits
FIFA has set clear rules for ticket buyers.
- You can buy up to 4 tickets per match.
- Each fan can hold tickets for 10 matches total under one FIFA ID. That makes a limit of 40 tickets per person.
- Every ticket is linked to an account, so large groups need more than one buyer.
- Accessibility tickets will be offered, including seats for wheelchair users and easy-access spots.
These rules keep the system fair and give more fans a chance to attend.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets FAQs
Will tickets for kids be cheaper at the 2026 World Cup?
No official discounts for children have been announced. In past World Cups, FIFA charged the same price regardless of age.
Can I transfer my ticket to a family member or friend?
Yes. FIFA usually allows ticket transfers through its official ticketing app, but details for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the event.
What happens if a match is postponed or canceled?
If FIFA reschedules a match, your ticket will remain valid for the new date. If it’s canceled, FIFA’s policy is to refund the face value.
Do tickets include free public transportation in host cities?
Host cities may announce partnerships with local transport authorities. At Qatar 2022, ticket holders used free metro and bus rides. Similar perks are expected but not yet confirmed for 2026.
Can I buy tickets directly at stadiums during the tournament?
Unlikely. FIFA requires digital tickets, and sales will be handled online. Some “last-minute” tickets might appear in the official app, but not at stadium box offices.
Are there special tickets for corporate groups or schools?
Large group purchases outside hospitality are not confirmed. Schools and organizations will likely need to apply through the same lottery process.
How will tickets work across three countries?
One FIFA ticketing system covers all U.S., Canada, and Mexico venues. Your tickets will appear in the same digital account regardless of the host country.
Do I need internet at the stadium to use my ticket?
No. Once the ticket is downloaded to the FIFA app, it can be scanned offline.
Can I re-enter if I leave the stadium?
No. Each ticket allows only one entry. Once you exit, you cannot return on the same ticket.
Final Tips for Fans
The race for World Cup tickets will be tough but good planning can improve your chances. Create a FIFA ID now and keep your account ready. Join every sales phase since lotteries give no promise. Missing one phase means fewer chances to get in.
Use only official channels. Buy from FIFA.com or On Location for hospitality. Third-party sites may look tempting but many listings are not secure.
Sort out your travel documents early. A ticket does not replace a visa for the U.S., Canada or Mexico. Watch for updates from host cities since some may offer free transport or fan perks.
Set your budget before sales begin. Prices change with demand and the biggest games will rise fast. Act quickly when your slot opens to get the best seats. With early steps and smart planning you can be part of the world’s biggest tournament.
