Your Ultimate Guide to Securing FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to be the biggest sporting event in history, and the demand for tickets is already reaching a fever pitch. For millions of fans, the dream of attending is very real, but the process of securing tickets can feel complex and overwhelming. When do tickets go on sale? How many can I even buy? What if I miss one of the lottery phases?
This is your one-stop guide to answer every question you have about the World Cup 2026 ticket process. We'll break down the timelines, rules, and strategies to give you the best possible chance of being there in person.
When Do World Cup 2026 Tickets Go On Sale? The Official Sales Phases
FIFA has structured the ticket sales into four distinct phases, giving fans multiple opportunities. Missing one doesn't mean your dream is over. Here is the official timeline:
Phase 1: The VISA Presale Lottery (September 10 - 19, 2025)
This was the very first window, exclusively for VISA card holders. It operated as a random selection draw, meaning you applied for tickets and hoped your name was chosen. Successful applicants were given a time slot to purchase tickets from the available inventory.
Phase 2: The First General Lottery (October 27 - 31, 2025)
This was the second "blind" lottery, open to all fans regardless of payment method. Like the first phase, it was a random draw for a chance to purchase tickets. Both of these initial phases happened before the Final Draw, so applicants were applying for matches based on date and location, not specific teams.
Phase 3: The Post-Draw Lottery (Starts December 2025)
This is the next major opportunity. The Final Draw for the World Cup is scheduled for December 5, 2025. For the first time, we will know the full group stage schedule. This phase is another lottery, but it's no longer blind. You can apply for a specific match (e.g., Brazil vs. Germany in Los Angeles). Expect competition to be incredibly high.
Phase 4: The First-Come, First-Served Final Phase (Spring 2026)
This is the last-chance saloon. As the name suggests, this is a direct, real-time sale on the FIFA portal. It's a frantic race—whoever gets there first, gets the tickets. This phase often includes tickets from previously unsold hospitality packages and sponsor allocations, so some surprisingly good seats can become available.
"I Missed the Early Draw. What's My Next Option?"
If you missed the first two lottery phases, don't panic! You still have two excellent opportunities to get tickets through the official channels:
- The Post-Draw Lottery (December 2025): This is your next big chance. Once the draw is complete on December 5th, you'll know all the matchups. You can then enter this lottery to apply for tickets to see your favorite team or a blockbuster game.
- The Final First-Come, First-Served Phase (Spring 2026): This is your final shot at face-value tickets directly from FIFA. Be ready for the moment this phase opens, as it will be a digital sprint.
There is also the Official FIFA Resale Platform, which typically opens closer to the tournament. This is the only safe and legitimate way to buy tickets from other fans who can no longer attend.
How Many World Cup Tickets Can I Buy? Understanding the Limits
This is one of the most common questions. FIFA has strict rules to ensure fair distribution.
- Per Match: You can apply for a maximum of 4 tickets per match.
- Per Household: A single household can apply for tickets for up to 10 matches in total across the entire tournament.
- What is a "Household"? FIFA defines a household by a shared postal address. If multiple applications are made from the same address, the total number of tickets across all applications cannot exceed the limits.
- The "Per Date" Rule: Be careful: the "4 tickets per match" rule is often enforced as a "4 tickets per match date" rule. This means if you buy 4 tickets for a game in one city on June 24th, you may not be able to buy tickets for another game on the same day in a different city.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Tickets
The process takes place exclusively on the official FIFA ticketing portal. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Create an Account: You'll need a FIFA Ticketing account. It's best to create this well in advance of any sales phase.
- Enter the Queue: During a sales phase, you will first enter a waiting room and then be placed in a queue to access the main portal.
- Select Your Tickets: Once inside, you can browse matches by venue, date, or team (depending on the phase). You'll select the match and ticket category you want.
- Submit Your Application: For lottery phases, you will submit your application with your payment details. If you are successful, your card will be charged automatically. For first-come, first-served phases, you will proceed directly to payment.
Understanding Ticket Types, Categories, and Prices
Not all tickets are created equal. Here’s what you’re buying:
- Ticket Types:
- Single Match Tickets: For one specific game.
- Venue Specific Ticket Series (VSTS): A package for all matches at a specific stadium.
- Team Specific Ticket Series (TSTS): A package that follows a specific team through the group stage.
- Ticket Categories: Seating is divided into four categories.
- Category 1: The most expensive, prime seats along the sidelines.
- Category 2: Corner seats or upper-tier sideline seats.
- Category 3: More affordable seats, typically in the upper tier behind the goals.
- Category 4: The most affordable, reserved exclusively for residents of the host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico). For a visual breakdown, see our World Cup 2026 Stadium Seat Maps & Category Guide.
- Ticket Prices: Prices vary significantly by match and category. Group stage matches can start as low as $60 for Category 4, while the Final can cost thousands. For a full breakdown, read our guide on World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices.
The World Cup Draw: How It Affects Your Ticket Strategy
The Final Draw on December 5, 2025, is the single most important day for ticket strategy.
- Before the Draw: In the "blind" lotteries, you apply for games without knowing the teams. This is a great strategy if you just want to experience any World Cup match. Your odds may be slightly better for less-hyped dates or venues.
- After the Draw: The Post-Draw Lottery allows you to target specific, must-see games. The competition will be fierce, but the prize is a confirmed blockbuster.
Understanding the potential matchups is key. Which teams could your nation draw? What would be the "Group of Death"? You can explore every possibility right now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I sell my tickets if I can't attend? A: Yes, but only through the Official FIFA Resale Platform. This is the only way to sell your tickets legitimately and safely. Do not use third-party sites.
Q: Can I choose my exact seat? A: No. During the sales phases, you only purchase a ticket category. FIFA allocates specific seats at a later date.
Q: Do I have to buy tickets if my lottery application is successful? A: Yes. For the lottery phases, you provide payment details upfront. If your application is successful, your card is automatically charged. You are committing to buy the tickets you apply for.
Q: What if my payment fails? A: You will be notified and typically given a very short window (e.g., 24 hours) to resolve the payment issue. If you fail to do so, your tickets will be forfeited.
Conclusion: Your Journey to the World Cup
Securing tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, preparation, and a bit of luck. By understanding the sales phases, ticket limits, and draw process, you can build a strategy that maximizes your chances.
Remember to participate in every phase you can, be realistic about the immense demand, and use the official FIFA channels exclusively. Good luck!