World Cup 2026 Tickets Guide: How & When to Buy

A promotional material featuring sample tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is seen in file photo.

The FIFA World Cup may still be more than a year away, but the excitement is already building.

A record-breaking 48 teams will head to North America, with matches taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or planning the trip of a lifetime, here’s everything you need to know about buying tickets to the 2026 World Cup.

When Do World Cup 2026 Tickets Go On Sale?

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets are scheduled to open on September 10, 2025.

FIFA made the announcement on July 15, with general sales to be released in phases.

Moreover, fans are urged to create a FIFA ID through the official website.

Additionally, the first phase of releasing tickets in September will be implemented due to high demand, FIFA said.

We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place – these will be the most coveted seats in world sport,” Infantino said.

Meanwhile, Telemundo, a division of NBCUniversal, has the Spanish rights to broadcast the games.

Tickets of a FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 football match is shown in file photo.

Ticket Sales Phases:

Phase 1 – Random Draw (Lottery):

  • Starts a few months before the World Cup draw.
  • Apply anytime during the window — same chance for all.
  • Request tickets for any match or set of matches.
  • You’ll be notified if your application is successful.
  • You must buy all allocated tickets or lose your slot.

Phase 2 – First-Come, First-Served:

  • Typically occurs right after the World Cup Draw.
  • Opens once the match schedule is confirmed.
  • Popular fixtures may sell out in minutes.

Last-Minute Sales & Resale Platform:

  • Resale tickets will be available closer to kickoff.
  • FIFA’s official resale platform offers tickets at face value + cheaper fee.
  • Still depends on FIFA’s decision.

What Types of Tickets Will Be Available?

FIFA offers four ways of ticketing options for each preferences and budgets:

  • Hospitality Packages
    Premium seats, exclusive access, lounges, and VIP perks are available.
  • Individual Match Tickets
    Buy tickets for a specific match of your choice.
  • Team-Specific Tickets
    Tickets that let you follow your favorite team throughout the tournament, provided they qualify.
  • Stadium Packages
    Watch multiple games at a single venue.
Alleged advance tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are circulating on social media even as FIFA warned the public on buying at "unofficial sites."

How Much Do World Cup 2026 Tickets Cost?

No prices have been revealed yet, but tickets will be divided into ‘Categories’ based on seat location on the field – though not necessarily based on proximity to the action.

On the other hand, World Cup tickets are offered in three different categories, with prices increasing as the tournament progresses:

  • Category 1 – The most expensive option located at the center of the pitch.
  • Category 2 – The second most expensivse located in the corners of the pitch.
  • Category 3 – The most affordable option located behind the goals.

Here’s a rough price estimate based on past tournaments:

Ticket TypeEstimated Range (USD)
Group Stage$40 – $200
Knockouts$100 – $400
Final$500 – $1,600+
Hospitality$5,000 – $70,000+

How & Where to Buy 2026 World Cup tickets

FIFA strongly recommends purchasing tickets only through its official website. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Create a FIFA account on the official site.
  2. Register your interest through the provided link.
  3. Enable notifications to receive updates on ticket phases.

Interested in Official Hospitality? There’s a separate registration link for that as well.

Note: FIFA will allow ticket resales at face value + 10% through its official platform. Avoid unauthorized resellers to prevent scams and fraudulent tickets.

Checklist Before Sales Begin

  • Create your FIFA ID and “Register Interest”
  • Turn on notifications in the FIFA Ticket Portal
  • Plan your budget (General, Hospitality, or Resale)
  • Consider joining forums or groups to boost your chances during the lottery phase.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 main tournament, to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will start on June 11.

On the other hand, tje opening match will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and other updates.