How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Phases & Purchase Guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will make history as the first tournament played across three countries. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 cities. This massive event runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The demand for tickets is already massive. More than 4.5 million fans from 216 countries applied during the first ticket lottery.

As of October 2025, over 1 million tickets have already sold. This guide explains everything you need to know about getting your seat at this historic tournament.

When Will FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Go on Sale?

FIFA divides ticket sales into four phases. Each phase gives fans different opportunities to buy tickets.

Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw (Completed)

This phase ran from September 10-19, 2025. Only Visa cardholders could apply. Winners received purchase windows starting October 1, 2025. This phase is now closed.

Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (Current)

Registration opens October 27-31, 2025. All fans can apply regardless of credit card type. Winners will get purchase slots from mid-November to early December 2025. This uses a random lottery system.

Phase 3: Random Selection Draw

This phase starts after December 5, 2025. The final draw on that date reveals which teams play in which cities. After the draw, fans can apply for specific matches with known opponents.

Phase 4: First Come First Served

Closer to June 2026, FIFA will release remaining tickets. These go on direct sale with no lottery. You simply purchase available tickets while supplies last.

World Cup 2026 Ticket Applications and Lottery Process

Getting tickets requires following these steps carefully.

First, create a FIFA ID account at FIFA.com/tickets. You must be 18 years or older. Provide a valid email address and payment method like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

During each open registration window, log into your FIFA account and enter the lottery. You can apply during the entire registration period. The timing of your application does not affect your chances of winning.

FIFA randomly selects winners after each registration window closes. Winners receive email notifications with assigned purchase time slots. You must log in during your specific time slot to buy tickets. The system does not guarantee ticket availability even for lottery winners.

You can buy up to 4 tickets per match. The maximum is 10 different matches for a total of 40 tickets per person. All tickets are digital and arrive through the FIFA mobile app. FIFA does not issue physical tickets.

How Much Are FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets?

Ticket prices for 2026 are the highest in World Cup history. FIFA uses five seating categories instead of the traditional four.

Category 1 offers the best seats near the field at center locations. Category 2 provides premium viewing areas. Category 3 gives mid-tier seating. Category 4 is the most affordable option in upper tiers and corner sections. Accessible seating accommodates fans with disabilities.

Group stage prices vary by venue and category. Most USA venues range from $60 to $620 per ticket. The cheapest $60 tickets are very limited and mostly in upper corner sections. The Mexico opening match costs $370 to $1,825. Canada’s opener ranges from $355 to $1,745. The USA opening match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles runs $1,120 to $2,735.

Knockout round prices increase significantly. Round of 16 matches cost $185 to $640. Semifinal Category 1 seats at AT&T Stadium cost around $2,780.

The final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ranges from $2,030 to $6,730. These prices are four times higher than the 2022 Qatar World Cup final prices.

FIFA uses dynamic pricing for the first time ever. Prices change based on demand throughout the sales process. Popular matches will cost more as the tournament approaches. Buy early to get better prices.

How to Get FIFA World Cup Tickets?

The official FIFA website at FIFA.com/tickets is the only authorized ticket seller. Never buy from other websites or social media sellers.

FIFA offers several ticket package options. Single match tickets let you attend one specific game. Team-specific packages follow one country through their three group matches plus knockout rounds if they advance. Stadium-specific tickets include all matches at one venue. Venue series packages bundle multiple games at the same location.

Payment currency depends on the match location. USA matches use US dollars. Canadian venues accept Canadian dollars. Mexican stadiums require Mexican pesos.

Every ticket arrives digitally through the FIFA mobile app. You cannot print physical tickets. Your mobile device becomes your stadium entry pass.

How to Buy Tickets Directly Without Lottery?

Several options exist to skip the lottery system entirely.

Hospitality Packages guarantee entry without lottery participation. FIFA’s official partner On Location sells these premium packages. Prices range from $5,300 to $73,200 per person depending on venue and tier.

Four hospitality tiers exist. Pitchside Lounge costs the most. VIP tier comes next. Champions Club offers mid-level hospitality. FIFA Pavilion provides the most affordable premium option. Each package includes match tickets, premium food and drinks, exclusive lounge access, and commemorative gifts.

Hospitality examples include $21,800 to $40,400 for an 8-match package at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Houston’s NRG Stadium ranges from $10,350 to $24,850. MetLife Stadium in New Jersey costs up to $73,200 for 8 matches including the final.

On Location offers interest-free payment plans. Pay two-thirds at purchase and the final third by January 15, 2026. All hospitality sales are final with no refunds or exchanges.

Verizon Wireless gives away thousands of free tickets plus 200 on-field experiences.

American Airlines lets AAdvantage members redeem miles for tickets. Group matches start at 75,000 miles. The final costs 965,000 miles.

How Many Tickets Have Been Sold Already?

FIFA released its first sales update on October 16, 2025. More than 1 million tickets sold during Phase 1. These buyers came from 4.5 million lottery applicants across 216 countries.

The top buying countries are USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France in that order. Buyers from 212 different countries and territories purchased tickets.

The tournament has approximately 7.1 million total seats across all 104 matches at 16 venues. The exact number available to the public remains unknown. FIFA reserves portions for sponsors, hospitality packages, and team allocations.

The $60 budget tickets were available for at least 40 matches when sales began. Most tickets cost significantly more. Only 28 of 48 World Cup qualifying spots are filled as of October 2025. More teams will qualify through March 2026.

Can You Refund FIFA World Cup Tickets?

The refund policy is very strict. All FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales are final. You cannot cancel or return tickets after payment for any reason.

Very limited exceptions exist. FIFA issues refunds only if the organization cancels a match. You might get a refund if a match reschedules and you cannot attend the new date.

Team-specific packages include conditional tickets for knockout rounds. Your refund arrives automatically if your chosen team fails to qualify or loses before reaching those rounds.

Hospitality packages follow the same no-refund rule. The only exception involves Follow My Team packages. You can switch to a different package or get a full refund if your selected country does not qualify.

FIFA reserves the right to cancel your tickets without notice. Violations of the Terms of Use, Stadium Code of Conduct, or security concerns trigger cancellations. You receive no refund in these situations.

Can You Resell or Transfer FIFA World Cup Tickets?

FIFA launched its official Resale/Exchange Marketplace on October 2, 2025. This platform is the only legal way to resell World Cup tickets.

The fee structure changed dramatically from past tournaments. FIFA now charges 15% fees to both sellers and buyers. A $100 ticket means the seller receives $85 while FIFA takes $15. The buyer pays $115 total because FIFA adds another $15 fee. FIFA collects 30% in total fees per transaction.

FIFA removed price caps for USA and Canadian venues. Sellers can list tickets at any price they choose. Some final match tickets already appear for $25,000 to $57,500 on the official platform. Mexico operates differently due to local laws. Mexican venues limit resales to original face value only.

Only the original purchaser, a verified resale buyer, or an official transfer recipient can list tickets. Digital transfers happen through the FIFA mobile app. No guarantee exists that your tickets will sell.

Never use third-party sites like StubHub, Viagogo, or social media sellers. These tickets are invalid. Stadium security will deny you entry. Only trust FIFA’s official platforms.