Get your tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Learn how to buy seats, navigate the Visa presale, and find key dates for all upcoming ticket phases in this comprehensive guide.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ set to be the largest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico, securing a seat has become a high-stakes event for fans worldwide.
The first phase of ticket sales has now begun, and here’s a detailed breakdown of how to navigate the process, what to expect, and all the key dates you need to know.
The Multi-Phase Ticketing Process
FIFA is implementing a phased, lottery-style system to manage the immense demand. This process begins with presale draws and will continue with additional sales phases leading up to the tournament’s kickoff.
- Phase One: The Visa Presale Draw
- Timeline: The entry period for the first presale draw runs from September 10 to September 19, 2025.
- Eligibility: This presale is exclusively for Visa cardholders who have created a FIFA ID account on the official FIFA ticketing website.
- Process: To enter, fans must register their interest during this nine-day window. It’s a random draw, so the time of your entry within this period does not affect your chances of being selected.
- Notifications: Successful applicants will be notified via email starting from September 29, 2025. They will be assigned a specific date and time slot, beginning on October 1, 2025, to purchase tickets, subject to availability.
- Tickets Available: During this phase, approximately one million tickets will be available, including single-match, venue-specific, and team-specific ticket packages.
- Phase Two: Early Ticket Draw
- Timeline: The registration window for this phase is expected to be from October 27 to October 31, 2025. Purchase time slots for successful applicants will be from mid-November to early December.
- Eligibility: This draw is open to all fans with a FIFA ID, regardless of their payment method. The selection process is a random lottery.
- Phase Three: Random Selection Draw
- Timeline: This phase will begin after the Final Tournament Draw, scheduled for December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
- Process: With the final schedule and matchups confirmed, fans will be able to apply for tickets to specific matches they wish to attend.
Key Dates at a Glance
- September 10, 2025: Visa Presale Draw entry period opens.
- September 19, 2025: Visa Presale Draw entry period closes.
- September 29, 2025: Successful Visa Presale applicants begin receiving email notifications.
- October 1, 2025: Ticket purchase time slots begin for Visa Presale applicants.
- October 27-31, 2025: Early Ticket Draw registration window.
- December 5, 2025: Final Tournament Draw in Washington, D.C.
- June 11, 2026: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off.
- July 19, 2026: The Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Understanding Ticket Prices and Dynamic Pricing
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup will vary significantly based on the match stage and seating category. FIFA has also announced it will be using dynamic pricing for the first time for a men’s World Cup, meaning prices can fluctuate based on demand.
- Group Stage: Tickets start at approximately $60.
- Final Match: Prices for the Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey range from $310 to $6,730 for the most exclusive seats.
- Hospitality Packages: For those seeking a premium experience, hospitality packages are already available for purchase, starting at around $1,350 per ticket.
Important Reminders for Fans
- Create a FIFA ID: This is a crucial first step for all ticket phases. You can register for your FIFA ID on the official FIFA ticketing website at FIFA.com/tickets.
- Buy from Official Channels: To avoid fraudulent tickets and scams, only purchase tickets through official FIFA channels.
- Resale Platform: FIFA plans to launch an official, secure resale platform to protect fans and facilitate the exchange of tickets.
- Purchase Limits: Fans are limited to a maximum of four tickets per match, with a total limit of 40 tickets for the entire tournament.
- Mobile Tickets: Be prepared for tickets to be exclusively mobile, accessed through a FIFA app.
With the ticket process underway, now is the time to register, mark your calendars, and get ready for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
