World Cup 2026 Seat Maps & Ticket Category Guide
FIFA World Cup stadium categories are a key factor in determining ticket prices and viewing locations. Understanding these categories is essential for anyone planning to attend the tournament. This guide provides a detailed explanation of the different FIFA World Cup stadium categories and includes seat maps for all the host cities. For a detailed breakdown of pricing, see our guide on World Cup 2026 ticket prices.
Planning your World Cup 2026 tickets and want to know where each category sits in the stadium? Use the city-by-city seat maps below to understand the location of Category 1–4 sections.
- Category 1: Lower central sideline; best views.
- Category 2: Corners/lower ends or upper central.
- Category 3: Upper corners and end zones.
- Category 4: Highest and farthest end/corner areas.
What Are FIFA World Cup Stadium Categories?
FIFA divides stadium seating into different categories to offer a range of ticket prices and viewing experiences. The categories are based on the location of the seats in the stadium, with Category 1 being the most expensive and offering the best views, and Category 4 being the most affordable.
The number of categories and their specific locations can vary from stadium to stadium, but the general principle is the same: the closer you are to the action and the more central your view, the higher the category and the price.
How Are the Categories Determined?
The categories are determined by a number of factors, including:
- Proximity to the pitch: Seats closer to the pitch are generally in higher categories.
- Viewing angle: Seats with a more central view of the pitch are in higher categories.
- Elevation: Seats in the lower tiers of the stadium are often in higher categories than seats in the upper tiers.
- Cover: In some stadiums, seats that are covered by a roof may be in a higher category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Category 1 always the best?
A: While Category 1 seats offer the best views, "best" is subjective. Some fans may prefer a more elevated view to see the tactical shape of the game, while others may prefer to be closer to the atmosphere in the lower tiers.
Q: Are Category 4 seats worth it?
A: Absolutely! Category 4 seats are a great way to experience the World Cup atmosphere without breaking the bank. While the view may not be as good as in other categories, you'll still be in the stadium and part of the action.
Q: Can I choose my exact seat?
A: During the initial sales phases, you can only apply for tickets in a specific category. You cannot choose your exact seat. Seats are allocated at a later date by FIFA.
Stadium Seat Maps
Atlanta — Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
Boston — Gillette Stadium
Dallas - AT&T Stadium
Guadalajara — Estadio Akron
Houston — NRG Stadium
Kansas City — GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium
Mexico City — Estadio Azteca
Miami — Hard Rock Stadium
Monterrey — Estadio BBVA
New York/New Jersey — MetLife Stadium
Philadelphia — Lincoln Financial Field
San Francisco — Levi's Stadium
Seattle — Lumen Field
Toronto — BMO Field
Vancouver — BC Place
If a city you’re looking for isn’t listed, it means we’re still sourcing a clear, up‑to‑date seat map. Check back soon — we’ll keep this page updated as new maps are available. If you have a map you'd like to share, please reach out!