The countdown is officially on. With less than a year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, millions of fans are asking the same question: how do I get tickets? FIFA has finally laid out the roadmap, from pricing to the multi-phase sales process. But securing a seat won’t be as simple as clicking “buy.” Here’s everything you need to know.
Ticket Prices: From Affordable to Sky-High
FIFA has confirmed a broad price range to fit different kinds of fans.
- The cheapest tickets start at $60 for group-stage matches.
- The most expensive seats will cost $6,730 for Category 1 at the final in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
A crucial detail: ticket prices will be dynamic, meaning they can rise or fall depending on demand. Just like airline tickets, timing could be everything.
Four Sales Phases: Step by Step
Getting tickets isn’t a single transaction. Instead, FIFA is breaking the process into several waves.
Phase One: Visa Presale Lottery
From September 10 to 19, 2025, Visa cardholders can register at FIFA.com/tickets for a special lottery. Around one million tickets will be distributed. Winners will be notified on September 29 and will get a designated time slot to make their purchases starting October 1.
Phase Two: Open to Everyone
A new registration period runs from October 27 to 31, 2025. Payment method doesn’t matter this time. Successful applicants will be able to buy tickets between mid-November and early December.
Phase Three: After the Draw
Once the group stage draw takes place on December 5 in Washington, D.C., fans will finally know where their favorite teams are playing. They’ll then be able to request tickets for specific matches.
Final Phase: First-Come, First-Served
As the tournament draws closer, remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This will be the last chance for latecomers to secure their seats.
Types of Tickets: Beyond the Basics
FIFA is offering several options, tailored to different kinds of supporters.
- Single-match tickets: Just one game, simple and direct.
- Venue packages: Great for fans who want to experience all the action in one city.
- Team packages: Follow your nation from the group stage to the knockout rounds.
- Supporter tickets: Sit alongside fellow fans from your country.
- Conditional tickets: Secure a spot in case your team advances to later stages.
On top of this, Hospitality packages are already on sale, combining premium seats with exclusive services.
Restrictions and Rules
FIFA has placed limits to curb mass reselling. Fans can buy up to four tickets per game and a maximum of 40 across the tournament. Every purchase will be tied to a FIFA ID, the account required for all transactions.
Tickets will be refundable and resellable—but only through FIFA’s official resale platform. In Mexico, a localized FIFA Ticket Exchange will also be available, designed to protect buyers from scams and unauthorized sellers.
Practical Advice for Fans
- Create your FIFA ID now. It’s mandatory, and without it you can’t even register for the lottery.
- Use your Visa if you can. The presale lottery offers the highest volume of tickets.
- Decide your priority early: following your team, enjoying one host city, or targeting key matches like the opener and the final.
- Expect fluctuating prices. Buying early ensures availability, but not always the lowest price.
- Stick to official channels. FIFA.com/tickets and FIFA.com/hospitality are the only safe sources.
A World Cup Like No Other
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, playing 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The opening match will be played on June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, with El Tri taking the field in front of a roaring home crowd. From there, the tournament will stretch across iconic venues—from Los Angeles to Toronto, Monterrey to New York—before concluding at MetLife Stadium.
Buying tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t about luck alone—it’s about strategy. Understanding the phases, registering early, and deciding what kind of experience you want are all essential steps. In a tournament set to shatter records, being inside the stadium will feel like a victory in itself.
For fans, the road to 2026 starts now.
