Your Ultimate Guide to Securing FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has begun! For the first time in history, the world's biggest sporting event will be co-hosted by three nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With an expanded format of 48 teams playing across 16 cities, the tournament promises to be the largest and most exciting yet.
For millions of fans, the dream is to be there in person, soaking in the atmosphere and witnessing history. However, securing tickets can be a complex and highly competitive process. This guide will break down everything you need to know—from key dates and sales phases to ticket types and seating categories—to maximize your chances of being part of the action.
Mark Your Calendars: The First Ticket Application Window
The very first opportunity to get your hands on tickets is just around the corner.
The first Random Selection Draw application period for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will open on September 10th, 2025, and will close on September 19th, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about this crucial first phase:
- It's a Lottery, Not a Race: This is a "Random Selection Draw," meaning it makes no difference whether you apply on the first or the last day. As long as your application is submitted within the window, you have an equal chance of being successful.
- Notification: A few days after the application window closes, FIFA will contact all applicants by email to inform them whether their application was successful, partially successful, or unsuccessful.
- Payment is Time-Sensitive: If you are one of the lucky applicants, you will have a very short window—typically only a few days—to pay for your tickets. It is crucial to have your funds ready and your payment method up to date. Failure to pay within the deadline means your tickets will be forfeited and re-allocated.
Understanding the Three Main Ticket Sales Phases
Based on the structure of previous World Cups, the ticket sales process is typically divided into three distinct phases. Understanding each one is key to planning your strategy.
Phase 1: The Initial Random Selection Draw (Before the Final Draw)
This is the phase starting on September 10th. The defining characteristic of this phase is that you are applying for tickets "blind." At this stage, most qualifying matches have not yet concluded, and the all-important Final Draw that determines the groups and match schedules has not taken place.
- What You Know: You can apply for tickets based on the match number, date, time, and stadium/city.
- What You Don't Know: Which teams will be playing in that specific match.
- Who Should Apply: This phase is perfect for fans who are determined to experience the World Cup atmosphere regardless of the teams involved, or for those who live near a host city and want to secure a seat at their local stadium. It often has slightly less competition than the next phase.
Phase 2: The Second Random Selection Draw (After the Final Draw)
This is typically the most popular and competitive sales phase. It takes place after the Final Draw, once the entire group stage schedule is confirmed.
- What You Know: Everything. You will know the date, time, location, and, most importantly, the two teams competing in every group stage match.
- Who Should Apply: This phase is for fans who want to follow a specific team or see a particular high-profile matchup. Be prepared for immense demand, especially for matches involving the host nations, reigning champions, and global powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and France.
Phase 3: The Official Resale Platform & Last-Minute Sales
As the tournament approaches, FIFA will open an official Resale Platform. This is the only officially sanctioned way to buy and sell tickets from other fans.
- How it Works: The platform allows ticket holders who can no longer attend a match to sell their tickets to other fans at face value. This ensures fair pricing and protects buyers from counterfeit tickets.
- Third-Party Resellers: Many fans may be tempted to use unofficial third-party websites where tickets are often sold for significantly more than face value. FIFA strictly prohibits this, and there is a high risk of purchasing fraudulent tickets or having your tickets cancelled. We strongly advise using only the official FIFA platform.
- Last-Minute Sales: There may also be a small "first-come, first-served" sales period closer to the tournament for any remaining ticket inventory.
Which Ticket Type is Right for You?
During the lottery phases, you can apply for several different types of ticket products. Here’s a breakdown of the likely options for 2026.
- Individual Match Tickets (IMTs): The most common and straightforward option. This is a single ticket for one specific match.
- Venue-Specific Tickets (VSTs): Also known as a "Stadium Ticket," this package includes tickets to all matches being played at a specific stadium (for example, all four group stage matches at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles). This is an excellent choice for fans who plan to base their trip in a single city.
- Team-Specific Tickets (TSTs): If you are a die-hard supporter of one nation, this is the package for you. It allows you to follow your team through the tournament. For 2026, with an extra knockout round, we can expect variations like:
- TST-4: This would cover your team's three group stage matches plus their potential Round of 32 knockout match.
- TST-8: The ultimate fan package. This would include tickets for all three group stage matches and every potential knockout match your team could play, all the way to the final—a total of eight matches. If your team is eliminated, your right to tickets for subsequent rounds is terminated.
- Conditional Supporter Tickets (CSTs): This is a more complex ticket for the knockout stages. You apply to follow your team, but if they are eliminated, your ticket transfers to the team that defeated them. This guarantees you a seat at the next match in that path, even if your chosen team isn't playing.
Potential Ticket Prices for 2026
While the official ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have not yet been announced, we can look at the prices from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to get a general idea of what to expect. Please note that these are just estimates and the actual prices may be higher or lower.
Individual Match Tickets (IMTs)
- Group Stage:
- Category 1: $220
- Category 2: $165
- Category 3: $70
- Round of 16:
- Category 1: $275
- Category 2: $205
- Category 3: $95
- Quarter-finals:
- Category 1: $425
- Category 2: $290
- Category 3: $205
- Semi-finals:
- Category 1: $955
- Category 2: $660
- Category 3: $355
- Final:
- Category 1: $1,600
- Category 2: $1,000
- Category 3: $600
Venue-Specific Tickets (VSTs)
VSTs include all matches at a specific stadium. The price will vary depending on the number of matches and the stage of the tournament.
- Potential Price Range: $300 - $1,000
Team-Specific Tickets (TSTs)
TSTs allow you to follow your favorite team through the tournament. The price will vary depending on how far your team progresses.
- TST-4 (4 matches):
- Category 1: $990
- Category 2: $770
- Category 3: $440
- TST-8 (8 matches):
- Category 1: $4,200
- Category 2: $2,900
- Category 3: $1,600
Disclaimer: These prices are based on the 2022 World Cup and are for informational purposes only. The actual prices for the 2026 World Cup may vary.
Decoding the Seating Categories
When you apply for tickets, you will need to select a category, which determines your seat location and price.
- Category 1: These are the most expensive tickets with prime viewing locations along the sidelines of the pitch. However, be aware that "prime location" does not always mean lower level; these can include seats in the upper tiers. The absolute best seats in the central, lower sections are often reserved for hospitality packages and sponsors.
- Category 2: These seats are typically located in the corners of the stadium. They offer a good balance between price and a great view of the action.
- Category 3: Usually situated behind the goals on the short sides of the pitch. This is often the most affordable category available to international fans and is where you'll find some of the most vocal and passionate supporters.
- Category 4: This category is reserved exclusively for residents of the host countries (in this case, Canada, Mexico, and the USA). Prices are significantly lower to ensure local fans have an accessible way to attend. These seats are also typically located behind the goals.
Below is a diagram illustrating the typical locations for each ticket category in a stadium based on World Cup 2022.
The Premium Option: Hospitality Packages
For fans looking for a guaranteed, all-inclusive luxury experience, official hospitality packages are the way to go. These packages are sold separately from the general ticket lottery and are already on sale.
- What's Included: Hospitality packages include a guaranteed match ticket (usually in a prime Category 1 location) along with access to exclusive stadium lounges, complimentary gourmet food and beverages, guest appearances, and other premium benefits.
- Cost: This premium experience comes at a significantly higher price point, often costing thousands of dollars per match.
- How to Buy: They can be purchased directly from FIFA's official hospitality website: https://fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com/us/en
Final Tips for Success
- Create Your FIFA Account Now: Don't wait until September 10th. Go to the official FIFA website and create your ticketing account in advance.
- Be Ready to Pay: Double-check that your payment card is valid, has a high enough limit, and is cleared for international transactions.
- Increase Your Chances: Apply for a range of matches and categories. The higher the demand for a match (e.g., the Final), the lower your chance of success. Applying for less popular group stage games can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
- Coordinate with Your Group: If you are applying with friends or family, coordinate your applications. Have each person apply for different matches to avoid duplicating efforts on high-demand games and increase the group's overall chances.
Securing World Cup tickets requires planning, patience, and a bit of luck. Mark September 10th on your calendar, get your application ready, and you might just find yourself celebrating in a stadium in Canada, Mexico, or the USA in 2026. Good luck!