World Cup 2026 Ticket Phase 2: The Early Draw is Here!
The frenzy for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is far from over. After a blockbuster first phase that saw over a million tickets snapped up, FIFA is opening the doors once again for the second phase of ticket sales, known as the Early Ticket Draw. This is a golden opportunity for fans who missed out in the first round or are looking to add more matches to their schedule.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this crucial second phase. We'll cover the timeline, the application process, the types of tickets available, and how this draw differs from the first one.
What is the Early Ticket Draw?
The Early Ticket Draw is the second major opportunity for fans to secure tickets for the World Cup 2026. It's a lottery-style draw, similar to the first phase, where fans can apply for tickets to a variety of matches and venues.
Key Dates for the Early Ticket Draw
Mark your calendars! The application window for the Early Ticket Draw is short and specific:
- Opens: Monday, October 27th, at 11 AM East Coast Time (USA)
- Closes: Friday, October 31st, at 11 AM East Coast Time (USA)
It's crucial to get your application in within this timeframe. As it's a random selection draw, there's no advantage to applying at the very beginning or the very end of the window.
When Will You Know the Results?
After the application window closes, FIFA will conduct a random selection draw. Applicants will start receiving notifications about the results in mid-November. Keep a close eye on your email (including your spam folder!) during this period.
How to Apply for the Early Ticket Draw
The application process for the Early Ticket Draw is expected to be very similar to the first phase. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:
- Create a FIFA Ticketing Account: If you don't already have one from the first phase, you'll need to create an account on the official FIFA website.
- Fill Out Personal Information: You'll need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and other personal details. Make sure this information is accurate and matches your official documents.
- Submit Your Application: Then you can select venues/cities/matches that you are interested in. Once you've made your selections, you'll submit your application. You won't be charged at this stage.
If your application is successful, you will be allocated a specific time slot to log in to the FIFA ticketing portal and purchase your tickets.
What's Different in This Second Round?
While the Early Ticket Draw is similar to the first phase, there are a few key differences:
- Open to All Payment Methods: The biggest change is that this round is not limited to VISA cardholders. Fans can use any major credit card to apply for and purchase tickets. This opens the door for millions of fans who were excluded from the first phase.
- More Tickets Available: The first phase released approximately one million tickets. With a total of six million tickets available for the tournament, it's anticipated that this second phase could release around two million tickets. This means a greater chance for more fans to be successful.
A Look Back at the First Round: High Success, High Prices
The first round of ticket sales was a massive success, with many fans reporting a higher-than-expected success rate in the lottery. This is a positive sign for the Early Ticket Draw, suggesting that FIFA's expanded 48-team format and large number of matches are giving more people a chance to experience the World Cup.
However, the success of the first round also came with a hefty price tag. Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are significantly higher than in previous tournaments. For a detailed breakdown of the prices, check out our article on World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices Revealed.
Image: A look at the ticket prices for the final match of the World Cup 2026.
What Types of Tickets Are Available?
The Early Ticket Draw will offer the same types of tickets as the first phase:
- Single Match Tickets: The most common type of ticket, allowing you to attend one specific match.
- Venue-Specific Tickets (VSTs): Perfect for fans who want to base themselves in one city and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Team-Specific Tickets (TSTs): Ideal for fans who want to follow their favorite team through the group stage. Note that this package only includes the three group stage matches.
For a more detailed explanation of the different ticket types, be sure to read our FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Lottery Guide.
Bookmark the blog FIFA World Cup Stadium Categories & Seat Maps to get a sense of the seat location for each ticket category.
Image: Understanding the different seating categories is key to choosing your tickets.
What's Next? The Road to the World Cup
The Early Ticket Draw is a major milestone on the road to the World Cup 2026. Here's what to look forward to after this phase:
- Group Draw (December 2025): The official draw for the group stage will take place in December 2025. This is when we'll finally know who is playing who, and where.
- Future Sales Phases: There will be two more ticket sales phases after the Early Ticket Draw. These will be another lottery draw and a first-come, first-served sale.
With half of the total tickets potentially being sold before the group draw, it's clear that FIFA is giving fans plenty of opportunities to secure their seats early.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Be Prepared: Have all your personal information and payment details ready to go.
- Know Your Budget: World Cup tickets are a significant investment. Decide how much you're willing to spend before you apply.
- Use the Simulator: Get a feel for the potential matchups and tournament structure by using our World Cup 2026 Draw Simulator. This can help you make more informed decisions about which tickets to apply for.
The Early Ticket Draw is an exciting time for football fans around the world. With a bit of planning and a little bit of luck, you could be on your way to witnessing history at the FIFA World Cup 2026!