Searching for tickets to the World Cup 2026? Learn about prices, how to buy tickets to the World Cup, and tips to secure your seat.
Key Takeaways
- Purchasing World Cup 2026 tickets requires a ID to register for ticketing phases, which include presales, host country exclusivity, and general lotteries.
- Tickets are available in four categories, with prices starting around $60, and demand for premium seating often leading to rapid sellouts and high resale prices.
- Certain packages or early sales phases may offer guaranteed ticket purchasing rights or guaranteed premium experiences, providing fans with secure and exclusive access.
- Fans should plantheir travel around host cities, utilize local transport, and stay updated on key dates related to ticket sales to secure their tickets effectively.
How to Buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Purchasing tickets for the World Cup 2026 requires preparation, patience, and planning. Here are the key steps and tips:
- Create an ID, which is mandatory for registering interest in tickets.
- Use this ID to stay updated on ticketing dates and processes.
- Participate in various sales phases using your ID.
- Register your interest and stay updated to avoid missing crucial deadlines.
- If you miss out on the FIFA sales there’s reputable websites that can help you out such as www.Fanatix.com.
Buying tickets for the World Cup can be a competitive and sometimes stressful process. Fans should expect challenges such as waiting rooms, lotteries, and the potential for resale chaos. Ticket demand will likely spike for certain matches, especially those held in larger venues.
Familiarize yourself with the ticketing phases and plan accordingly to navigate these challenges.
Ticket Sales Phases
Understanding ticket sales phases maximizes your chances of securing World Cup 2026 tickets. Sales begin with a presale phase, followed by exclusive periods for host countries. Each phase has unique rules and timelines, so stay informed and prepared.
Ticket sales usually start with:
- An early ticket draw
- Host country exclusivity
- A global lottery
- The final draw phase
- Last-minute sales
Each phase provides different opportunities; knowing the specifics helps you strategize your approach.
Here’s a closer look at each phase to understand their workings and how to secure your tickets.
Early Ticket Draw
The Early Ticket Draw offers the first chance for fans to secure World Cup 26. Key points include:
- Apply for world cup tickets through a randomized selection process.
- Registration occurs during a specified window.
- Potentially secure tickets before the general public.
- Find an allocation with a secondary ticketing marketplace such as fanatix.com
Participants in the early ticket draw enter a lottery system where winners are randomly selected, and the odds to win depend on the number of tickets sold. Apply for the tickets you want, and if selected, you can purchase them.
This phase is particularly beneficial for securing premium seats or tickets to high-demand matches, like the World Cup final.
Host Country Exclusivity
The Host Country Exclusivity phase provides special ticket access for residents of the host nations:
- Fans from the USA, Canada, and Mexico get priority to purchase tickets.
- This ensures local fans can attend matches in their home countries.
- The goal is to create a vibrant atmosphere.
Global Lottery
The Global Lottery phase offers another chance to secure tickets, especially for those who weren’t selected in earlier draws. Opening on November 17, 2025, this phase allows fans from the early ticket draw to be randomly selected for purchasing time slots, uniting football enthusiasts globally.
In the Global Lottery phase, fans are randomly selected to purchase tickets within a set time frame, ensuring fair ticket distribution worldwide. It’s a thrilling process, filled with hope and anticipation as fans await their chance to buy tickets.
Final Draw Phase
The Final Draw phase begins after group stage matchups are announced, starting the application process for specific round matches. Scheduled for December, this phase determines match schedule and venues.
After group-stage matchups are revealed, fans can apply for tickets to specific matches based on their preferred teams and venues.
Last Minute Tickets
The Last Minute Tickets phase offers a final chance to secure seats for those who missed earlier phases. This phase occurs in spring 2026, offering unsold tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
No lottery is involved, but expect limited availability and quick sellouts. Act fast if you find yourself in this phase to secure your tickets and sell them quickly.
Ticket Prices and Categories
Ticket prices for the World Cup 2026 vary by seating category and match. Four distinct categories meet varying fan preferences and budgets:
- Category 1: The most expensive, located in the lower seating tier.
- Category 2: Spans both upper and lower tiers outside Category 1 areas.
- Category 3: Mainly in the upper tier, beyond Categories 1 and 2.
- Category 4: The most affordable, located in the upper tier outside the other categories.
Ticket prices start around $60, depending on the seating category. Premium seats, like Category 1 tickets for the semifinal, have seen significant price increases, reflecting high demand. Ticket prices by category are:
- Category 2 semifinal tickets: 2,350 dollars
- Category 3 tickets: 930 dollars
- Category 4 tickets: extremely scarce, limited to a few corner sections in the upper decks.
Compared to previous world cups, the 2026 tournament features an expanded structure with more teams, leading to a larger scale event and a new ticket pricing strategy to accommodate increased demand and match availability.
The organisor limits the number of tickets a single household can purchase to ensure wider fan access, distributing million tickets more evenly and allowing more fans to attend the tournament. How many tickets can each household buy?
Resale prices for tickets, especially for the final, can be extraordinarily high, starting around £9,100 and exceeding £43,700 for top-tier hospitality options, all of which are priced accordingly.
VIP and Hospitality Packages
VIP and hospitality packages offer unparalleled luxury and comfort for those looking to elevate their World Cup experience. Hospitality packages are a hallmark of major sports events, offering fans exclusive access and premium experiences at the World Cup. Official Hospitality Packages include:
- Premium seats
- Meet-and-greets with football legends
- Entertainment
- Gourmet food and beverages
These elements ensure a premium experience.
On Location, the official hospitality provider for World Cup 2026, offers unique premium experiences beyond standard ticketing. The program includes unprecedented access, cultural and culinary experiences, and closer viewing opportunities. Whether seeking extraordinary seats, private lounges, or exclusive access, these packages cater to diverse preferences.
On Location Experiences
On Location’s VIP packages aim to provide lifetime memories. As the exclusive provider of World Cup hospitality packages, On Location offers unique experiences and amenities that elevate the matchday experience, including access to private lounges, priority entry, and premium seating, ensuring enhanced comfort and convenience.
Hospitality packages also feature gourmet food options and unique entertainment, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Whether seeking a luxurious setting to enjoy the game or a memorable culinary journey with games, On Location offers options for every taste and preference.
Official Hospitality Provider
As the official hospitality provider for World Cup 2026, On Location offers luxury experiences tailored for fans, including high-end accommodations, exclusive event access, and premium catering. This white-glove hospitality experience features custom itineraries and dedicated on-site hosts for an enhanced spectator experience.
National Team Allocations
National team ticket allocations distribute tickets based on their country’s World Cup qualification. Each national soccer federation receives tickets proportional to the team’s status, ensuring fans from participating countries can support their teams, fostering a passionate and diverse fan base.
Historically successful teams such as Brazil, France, and Italy often see high demand for national team ticket allocations due to their large and passionate fan bases.
Fans interested in national team ticket allocations should register with their national federations to express interest. The application period for these tickets coincides with broader ticket sale phases.
To buy tickets through national team allocations, fans must follow their federation’s official ticketing process, ensuring fair distribution to loyal supporters.
Resale Market Options
Resale Market Options
The Secured Resale Marketplace, endorsed by FIFA, provides a safe and reliable platform for buying and selling tickets. Tickets purchased there are verified and delivered securely, ensuring authenticity and peace of mind.
In addition to FIFA’s official resale channel, trusted third-party platforms such as Fanatix.com offer alternative options for fans.
- Fanatix.com provides access to verified sellers, strong customer support, and a proven track record in the secondary ticketing market.
Platforms like Fanatix.com, offer a wide variety of tickets — from the most affordable seats to hospitality options — giving fans multiple trusted avenues to secure their spot at the World Cup all while the tickets are guaranteed by their fan protection.
Host Cities and Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup is set to make football history by spanning three countries—United States, Canada, and Mexico—across 16 vibrant host cities. This unprecedented approach brings the world’s biggest sporting event to iconic locations, offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch matches in some of the most celebrated stadiums on the globe.
In the United States, matches will light up cities like Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Each city boasts a world-class stadium, from the state-of-the-art SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles to the legendary MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the World Cup final. Kansas City and Boston, with their deep football roots, promise an electric atmosphere for every match.
Mexico brings its own rich football history to the tournament, with matches in Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca—site of legendary World Cup moments—alongside Monterrey and Guadalajara. The opening match will take place in Mexico City, setting the stage for a tournament filled with passion and excitement.
Canada joins the celebration with matches in Toronto and Vancouver, welcoming fans to experience the World Cup in two of the country’s most dynamic cities. Each stadium has been selected for its modern facilities, excellent sightlines, and ability to host fans from around the world in comfort and style.
Fans eager to secure their World Cup tickets can choose matches in their preferred host city and stadium, whether they want to witness the drama of the group stage or the glory of the cup final. Ticket sales are expected to be highly competitive, especially for premium seats and matches in high-demand locations like New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Mexico City. Prices will vary based on the match, seat location, and stadium, with some tickets costing several hundred to several thousand dollars, particularly for the final and other marquee games.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the official hospitality provider, On Location, offers exclusive packages with premium seats, gourmet food, and unique access to special events. These hospitality options are perfect for fans who want to enjoy the World Cup in style and comfort.
Beyond the matches, each host city will transform into a festival of football, offering fan zones, live music, food festivals, and cultural exhibitions. Whether you’re in Philadelphia sampling local cuisine, exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City, or soaking up the atmosphere in Vancouver, there’s something for every fan to enjoy.
With demand for World Cup tickets at an all-time high, fans are encouraged to register their interest early and keep an eye on official sales channels to avoid missing out. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a global celebration, uniting fans from every corner of the world in a shared passion for the beautiful game. Don’t miss your chance to be part of football history—secure your tickets, choose your seat, and get ready to cheer your team to glory in one of the most exciting tournaments ever played.
Planning Your Trip
Planning your trip to the World Cup 2026 involves more than just purchasing tickets. Consider the following tips:
- Organize your journey around clusters of host cities to minimize travel time and costs.
- Use local public transport options, which vary in efficiency and coverage, to facilitate travel between cities.
- Utilize local transit cards to ease matchday travel, allowing quick and cost-effective movement between venues.
Arriving at stadiums well before kick-off ensures a relaxed experience and the chance to enjoy the atmosphere. Plan for varying weather conditions, especially in hotter regions where late kick-offs are common to avoid the heat. The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, making it a key date for fans planning their travel.
Pre-book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies to adapt your travel plans as needed. Each stadium at the World Cup 2026 will have designated areas for fans with disabilities and limited mobility, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
Registering for FIFA ID
Fans must have an ID to participate in ticketing phases and enter draws. Creating an ID is straightforward:
- Visit FIFA.com/tickets.
- Click on the sign-up option.
- Provide your details.
- Agree to the Terms of Service.
- Set a secure password.
- After registration, a confirmation email with a verification link will be sent.
You must be at least 13 years old to register an ID and 18 years old to buy tickets. This ID keeps you informed about ticketing dates and processes, ensuring you don’t miss crucial opportunities to secure ticket
Key Dates and Deadlines
Staying on top of key dates and deadlines is crucial for securing your World Cup tickets. Ticket purchasing phases will be announced in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly. The ticket application period for the first draw opens on September 10, 2025. Mark this date on your calendar, as it’s your initial opportunity to enter the ticketing process.
As ticket sales progress through the different phases, key deadlines will be established for early access, general sales, and last-minute tickets. Staying informed and meeting these deadlines will increase your chances of securing the tickets you desire. Keep an eye on official communications to ensure you don’t miss any important dates.
Summary
Securing tickets to the World Cup 2026 requires preparation, patience, and a strategic approach. By understanding the various ticket sales phases, from the early ticket draw to last-minute ticket opportunities, and by familiarizing yourself with the different ticket categories and prices, you can significantly enhance your chances of being part of this monumental event. Don’t forget to explore VIP and hospitality packages for a premium experience and consider the resale market if you miss out on initial sales.
As you plan your trip, ensure you register for an ID, stay on top of key dates, and consider volunteering for a unique perspective on the tournament. With the right planning and a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the World Cup 2026, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and be part of football history! You may have the chance to watch teams that have previously won the World Cup compete for another title, or even witness a historic moment such as a hat trick in a crucial match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a World Cup ticket?
World Cup tickets can range from approximately $60 for the lowest category, but most fans encounter prices between $190 and $380 for the group stage, with knockout rounds potentially costing from $230 to several thousand dollars. Thus, be prepared for higher expenses as availability may be limited.
When can I buy World Cup 2026 tickets?
You can buy tickets for the World Cup 2026 starting on September 10, 2025. However, early ticket draws will take place before this date, and availability may vary due to high demand.
What are the different ticket categories for the World Cup 2026?
There are four ticket categories for the World Cup 2026: Category 1 (most expensive, lower tier), Category 2 (upper and lower tiers outside Category 1), Category 3 (upper tier beyond Categories 1 and 2), and Category 4 (most affordable, upper tier). This classification ensures a range of pricing options for all fans.
