The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be the largest edition ever, featuring 48 teams competing in 16 cities. With less than a year until kickoff, fans are gearing up to secure tickets for the 104 matches, including the grand final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The ticket purchasing process, divided into three phases, begins on September 10, 2025, with a pre-sale draw. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting tickets, prices, key dates, and tips to ensure your spot at this global football celebration. Set for June and July 2026, the tournament will draw millions eager to witness the sport’s biggest stars in action.
This historic event marks the first time three nations will co-host the World Cup, with an expanded format that boosts competition and diversity. Fans will have multiple opportunities to attend matches, but high demand, especially for knockout stages, requires careful planning.
- Key highlights of World Cup 2026:
- 104 matches across 16 cities in three countries.
- First World Cup with 48 teams.
- Final at the iconic MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
- Tickets starting at $60 for group stage matches.
Ticket sale phases
The FIFA has organized ticket sales into three distinct phases, each with specific timelines and processes to accommodate fans worldwide. Below is a breakdown of how each phase works.
The first phase kicks off on September 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, with a pre-sale draw open to those aged 18 or older with a FIFA ID account and Visa cardholders. Fans must register on FIFA’s official website by September 19. Successful applicants, chosen through a random selection process, will be notified starting September 29 and can purchase tickets from October 1 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The second phase, dubbed the “Early Bird Ticket Draw,” is slated for late October, with applications open from October 27 to 31. Like the first phase, applicants will be randomly selected and assigned a purchasing window, likely between mid-November and early December.
- First phase timeline:
- Applications: September 10–19, 2025.
- Notification of selected fans: from September 29.
- Ticket purchases: starting October 1.
- Availability: all 104 matches.
Ticket prices and options
Ticket prices vary depending on the match stage and seating location. Group stage tickets start at $60, making the tournament accessible to a wide audience, while final tickets at MetLife Stadium can reach $6,730 due to high demand.
FIFA also offers hospitality packages, already available for select venues, which include premium seating, VIP access, and exclusive services for those seeking a premium experience.
- Price range:
- Group stage: from $60.
- Round of 16: from $100.
- Quarterfinals: from $200.
- Semifinals: from $500.
- Final: up to $6,730.
Fans should be aware of additional fees, such as local taxes, which may vary by host city. FIFA advises purchasing only through official channels to avoid scams.
How to prepare for the draw
Participating in the pre-sale draw requires a few straightforward steps. Fans must create a FIFA ID account on the official FIFA website, providing personal details like name, email, and date of birth. Visa cardholders have priority in the first phase, so ensuring a valid payment method is key.
During the application, fans select their desired matches and the number of tickets (typically up to four per match). The random selection process ensures fairness, regardless of when you apply within the window.
- Tips for the draw:
- Set up your FIFA ID account early.
- Verify your Visa card’s validity.
- Opt for less popular matches to boost chances.
- Check email notifications after September 29.
Resale platform and precautions
To combat fraud, FIFA will launch an official resale platform closer to the tournament. This platform aims to prevent invalid or overpriced ticket sales, ensuring secure transactions, though availability may vary due to local regulations in host cities.
Fans should steer clear of unofficial websites or unauthorized resellers, as non-official tickets risk being voided. Planning ahead is crucial, as tickets for high-profile matches, like those involving top teams, are likely to sell out quickly.
- Buying precautions:
- Use only FIFA’s official website or authorized partners.
- Be wary of prices significantly below market value.
- Verify ticket authenticity via your FIFA ID account.
- Plan travel logistics in advance.
Host cities and tournament experience
The 2026 World Cup will span 16 host cities, including iconic locations like Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, and Toronto. Each city offers a unique blend of football and cultural attractions. For instance, Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will make history as the first stadium to host matches in three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026).
Fans can expect modern venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and historic arenas like BC Place in Vancouver. The host cities’ diversity ensures a rich experience for global visitors.
- Key host cities:
- United States: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta.
- Mexico: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey.
- Canada: Toronto, Vancouver.
Global impact and expectations
The 2026 World Cup is more than a sporting event—it’s a cultural milestone uniting three nations. The 48-team format will feature lesser-known teams, enhancing the tournament’s inclusivity. Over 5 million fans, including many from Brazil, are expected to travel, boosting tourism and local economies.
The MetLife Stadium final, with a capacity exceeding 80,000, will be a highlight. Host cities are upgrading transportation, accommodations, and security to welcome global visitors.
- What to expect:
- Top-tier matches with stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé.
- Multicultural experience across three nations.
- Modern, accessible infrastructure.
- Greater inclusion of debutant teams.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a landmark in football history, and securing tickets is the first step to joining the celebration. With careful planning and adherence to official channels, fans can ensure their spot in the stands for this unforgettable tournament.
