Everything You Need To Know About Getting Tickets To The 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest in history, with 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As anticipation builds ahead of the June 11 kickoff, fans around the world are already planning how to secure their seats. But with ticket sales yet to open and demand expected to be unprecedented, navigating the process requires preparation, timing, and a bit of strategy. Here’s what you need to know about when tickets will be available, how to buy them, what they’ll cost, and what your options are if they sell out.

When will tickets be available for the 2026 World Cup?

Photo: IOIO IMAGES /Shutterstock

General ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have not yet begun as of mid-2025, but fans are already lining up—virtually—for a shot at seats to the first 48-team edition of the tournament. FIFA is expected to open ticket sales in late 2025, likely between October and December. That timeline would mirror the approach taken for previous tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where tickets became available approximately seven to eight months before kickoff.

For now, only premium hospitality packages are on sale, launched in May 2025 through FIFA’s exclusive partner, On Location. These packages target high-end travelers and corporate clients and include luxury amenities, access to VIP lounges, and premium seating. For most fans, though, the general ticketing window is the primary route. Based on historical precedent, FIFA is likely to conduct ticket sales in multiple phases, starting with a random lottery followed by first-come, first-served windows for remaining inventory. While FIFA has not confirmed exact dates, fans should prepare by registering their interest well ahead of time.

It will be possible to buy team-specific tickets, or to buy tickets to all matches in a specific city or stadium, in addition to buying individual match tickets.

Tickets will be released in phases, beginning with the lottery:

• Phase 1 (Fall 2025): Random lottery phase where fans can apply for tickets before the tournament draw. Requests can be made for specific venues or matches without knowing which teams will play.

• Phase 2 (Early 2026): Sales open after the December 2025 draw, allowing fans to purchase tickets with full knowledge of the group stage matchups.

• Phase 3 (Spring 2026): Last-minute sales phase based on availability, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where do I buy World Cup 2026 tickets?

Photo: Alizada Studios /Shutterstock

All official ticket purchases will be conducted through FIFA’s website, specifically its ticketing portal. To stay informed, fans should register now on FIFA’s site to receive email updates regarding the release schedule and application process. Signing up doesn’t guarantee a ticket but ensures you’ll be notified when the ticket lottery opens and when subsequent sales phases are announced.

You can sign up for the lottery now. You’ll have to wait for the general onsale, unless you have some serious coin to shell out for a hospitality package.

In previous World Cups, the lottery system allowed fans to submit requests for specific matches and categories without payment upfront. If selected, ticket buyers were given a short window to complete the purchase. This system helps manage overwhelming global demand while offering a degree of fairness. Given the scale of the 2026 tournament—the largest in FIFA history—expect intense demand, particularly for matches involving host nations and high-profile teams. Early registration is essential.

How much will World Cup 2026 tickets cost in each city?

Ticket pricing for general admission has not yet been released, but estimates based on previous tournaments provide a rough guide. Group stage tickets may range from $15 to $200 depending on seat location and match profile. Prices will likely increase in later rounds, with round of 16 tickets projected between $30 and $300, quarterfinals at $90 to $500, and semifinal or final matches potentially exceeding $1,000.

Hospitality packages vary widely by host city and match. In New York/New Jersey, packages for the final at MetLife Stadium range from $25,800 to $73,200. In Los Angeles, packages at SoFi Stadium start at $20,300, while Dallas’s AT&T Stadium options reach $35,350. San Francisco Bay Area’s Levi’s Stadium has the most affordable offerings starting at $8,275. These prices include premium services, which general ticket buyers won’t receive.

What happens if tickets sell out?

If general admission tickets sell out, fans still have several official avenues to explore. FIFA will operate a resale platform, allowing fans to buy and sell tickets at face value. This platform ensures authenticity and compliance with FIFA’s terms of use. In addition, hospitality packages may remain available closer to the event, although at a significant cost.

Another alternative is FIFA+ Collect, a platform offering digital collectibles that may include ticket purchase rights. However, FIFA strongly advises against using unauthorized third-party resale sites, as counterfeit tickets and scams are a persistent risk. To maximize your chances, register early, monitor FIFA communications, and consider multiple official channels.