FIFA has officially launched ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, giving fans their first chance to secure seats less than a year before the tournament kicks off.
The 2026 edition will be historic, marking the first time the tournament is hosted across three countries— the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It will also be the largest World Cup to date, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities.
FIFA is using a three-phase ticketing process to manage what is expected to be unprecedented global demand.
Phase One: Visa Presale Draw
The first phase began Tuesday, September 10, at 11 a.m. ET. Supporters aged 18 and above who have registered for a FIFA ticketing account are eligible to participate. Visa cardholders also qualify for the exclusive presale draw.
Fans can register on FIFA’s official website until Friday, September 19. Once the entry window closes, a random selection will determine who receives access to purchase tickets. Notifications will be sent on September 29, and selected fans will be assigned purchase time slots starting October 1.
All 104 matches will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in this round. Ticket prices begin at $60 for group stage matches and can reach up to $6,730 for the final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Phase Two: Early Ticket Draw
The second phase is scheduled for October 27–31 and will follow the same random draw method. Fans selected in this round are expected to receive purchase windows in mid-November through early December.
Phase Three: Random Selection After Group Draw
The final phase will open after the official group draw on December 5, once fixtures are finalized. At that point, supporters can apply for tickets to specific matches.
FIFA has also confirmed that any unsold tickets will be made available closer to the tournament on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. In addition, a resale platform will be launched to help protect fans from fraudulent ticket sellers.
Premium hospitality packages are already available for select matches and venues.
Opening Day Demand Overwhelms Ticketing System
On launch day, several users encountered technical issues due to high demand. Reports included long virtual wait times, session timeouts, and delays in loading the ticketing portal.
Despite the setbacks, FIFA assured fans that the issues would not affect their chances.
“Demand for tickets to the FIFA World Cup 26 is extraordinary,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “Everyone who registers during the entry period has the same likelihood of being selected, regardless of when they joined the draw.”
The 2026 tournament will be the most expansive World Cup yet, both geographically and in scope, with global interest already reflected in the volume of early ticket registrations.
