The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest sporting event in history, and for the first time, it will be hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With an expanded format of 48 teams and over 100 matches played in world-class stadiums across 16 cities, this tournament promises record-breaking crowds, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of global football like never before.
But the question every fan is asking is: How do you get tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026? Demand will be sky-high, and FIFA has put strict systems in place to ensure fair sales and secure access. Whether you’re dreaming of cheering for your country, catching a knockout thriller, or witnessing the final match of the World Cup 2026 live, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about FIFA ticketing, sales phases, prices, and travel packages so you don’t miss your chance to be there in person.
When Will FIFA 2026 Tickets Go on Sale?
One of the biggest questions fans have is: when do FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets go on sale? Based on FIFA’s history, ticket sales usually open about 18 to 24 months before the tournament. That means for the 2026 edition, you can expect the first ticket sales phase to begin in 2025.
Just like previous tournaments, tickets will not be released all at once. Instead, FIFA organizes multiple phases of ticket sales, including a lottery-style draw and first-come-first-served rounds. This ensures that fans from all over the world have a fair chance to secure their seats.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Create a free FIFA.com account and register for the FIFA Ticketing Portal today. This way, you’ll get official email updates, reminders, and possibly even early access opportunities once ticketing opens.
The Official FIFA Ticketing Portal
If you’re wondering where to buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, the answer is simple: only through the official FIFA Ticketing Portal on FIFA.com. This is the only authorized platform where fans can register, apply, and pay for tickets. Buying from anywhere else risks scams, overpriced resale, or even being denied entry at the stadium.
The process is straightforward:
- Create a free FIFA account — this will be your login for ticket applications.
- Register on the Ticketing Portal when sales open — you’ll choose the type of tickets and matches you want.
- Enter the ticket lottery or first-come phases — depending on which stage of sales is active.
- Pay securely through FIFA’s official payment system once you’re allocated tickets.
Pro Tip: Make sure the email address on your FIFA account is active and accessible, as all ticket confirmations, updates, and deadlines will come through there.
Where to Buy Official Tickets
There’s only one safe place to buy tickets: the official FIFA website and its ticketing platform.
- Tickets will not be sold on random third-party websites until after official allocations.
- FIFA may also offer a mobile ticketing app like in 2022 for secure entry.
Warning: Avoid scalpers or unofficial sellers to prevent scams.
Types of FIFA 2026 Tickets Available
Not all tickets are the same, FIFA divides World Cup tickets into different categories and packages to suit every kind of fan. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect for 2026:
1. Individual Match Tickets
Perfect for fans who just want to experience a specific game, whether it’s a group stage clash or the grand final. You choose the exact match, city, and stadium.
2. Team-Specific Tickets
If you want to follow your favorite nation throughout the tournament, these packages let you buy tickets for all of that team’s matches (and sometimes even beyond, if they advance).
3. Venue-Specific Tickets
For fans who live near or plan to stay in one city, these tickets allow you to watch multiple games in a single stadium.
4. Ticket Categories by Seating
FIFA also divides tickets by seating category — Category 1 (best view, most expensive), Category 2, and Category 3 (more affordable but further from the pitch). There’s also Category 4, reserved for residents of the host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico).
Pro Tip: Decide early whether you want to prioritize specific matches or just being part of the atmosphere, as this will guide which ticket package is best for you.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices & Payment Options
Ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup haven’t been officially released yet, but if history is any guide, fans can expect a wide range of prices depending on the stage of the tournament and the seating category. For example, tickets for group-stage matches are usually the most affordable, while knockout rounds, semifinals, and especially the World Cup Final are significantly more expensive.
In the 2022 edition, Category 3 group-stage tickets started at around $70–100, while Category 1 tickets for the final went for over $1,000. With 2026 expected to be even bigger, and hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, prices may rise slightly, but FIFA typically ensures a range of options to keep the event accessible.
Payment Options
All ticket purchases are made through the FIFA Ticketing Portal, where fans can pay securely via credit card, debit card, and sometimes local payment methods depending on the host country. Installment payment plans were offered in Qatar 2022, and FIFA may continue this for 2026 to make tickets more affordable for fans worldwide.
Pro Tip: Always buy tickets directly from FIFA. Avoid third-party resellers or scalpers, tickets are personalized and linked to your FIFA account, so unofficial purchases can be voided at the gate.
How to Apply for FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets (Lottery System Explained)
Unlike most sporting events where you simply click and buy, FIFA uses a ticket lottery system for the World Cup. This means that during the first sales phase, fans don’t get tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, you apply for the matches you want, and FIFA randomly allocates tickets once the window closes.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a FIFA Ticketing Account on the official portal (fifa.com/tickets).
- Choose Matches & Categories you want to attend (e.g., Group Stage, Quarterfinal, Final).
- Submit Your Application within the sales window, there’s no advantage to applying on the first day versus the last.
- Wait for the Draw, and if you’re successful, FIFA will notify you by email and automatically charge your account. If not, you can try again in later phases.
This system ensures fairness, since demand is always higher than supply, especially for knockout rounds and the final.
Pro Tip: Apply for multiple matches and categories to increase your chances. For example, applying only for the final in Category 1 is extremely competitive, but adding group-stage or Category 3 tickets gives you more opportunities to win.
Resale & Ticket Transfers: What Happens If You Can’t Attend?
Life happens, plans change, schedules clash, and sometimes fans who score tickets can’t actually make it to the match. Luckily, FIFA has a secure official resale platform where you can legally sell your tickets to other fans.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Official Resale Portal Only: Tickets are linked to your FIFA account and ID, so reselling outside FIFA’s platform is risky (and often leads to tickets being canceled).
- Face Value Resale: FIFA typically only allows resale at face value or lower — no scalping or inflated prices.
- Ticket Transfers: If you simply want to give your ticket to a friend or family member, FIFA lets you change the guest’s details in your account, so they can use it at the stadium gate.
Pro Tip: Don’t fall for third-party “guaranteed ticket” scams. Always use the official FIFA Ticketing Portal, it’s the only way to ensure your ticket is valid and you’ll actually get in.
Traveling for the 2026 World Cup
With 16 host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, travel planning is just as important as getting your ticket. Unlike past tournaments centered in one or two nations, 2026 will test fans’ logistics as much as their passion.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Host Cities: The action will stretch from New York and Los Angeles to Mexico City and Toronto, with stops in major hubs like Dallas, Miami, Vancouver, and Guadalajara. Each city offers not just football but unique cultural experiences; from tacos in Mexico City to the skyscrapers of New York.
- Book Early: Hotels and flights will skyrocket in price once ticket sales start. Lock in accommodations as soon as possible to avoid the surge.
- Regional Strategy: Matches are grouped regionally. For example, if you buy tickets for the East Coast (New York, Philadelphia, Boston), you can cut down on flights and stick to trains or short hops. The same applies to clusters in Texas or the West Coast.
- Border Crossings: Remember, this is a tri-nation World Cup. If you’re planning to attend matches in more than one country, check visa rules, entry requirements, and travel documents early to avoid surprises.
Pro Tip: Consider pairing your match tickets with a mini-vacation. The World Cup will showcase not only football but also the best of North America’s cities, culture, and landmarks.
Conclusion: Be Ready for Football’s Biggest Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just another tournament, its history in the making. With 48 teams, three host nations, and millions of fans, this will be the largest and most ambitious World Cup ever staged. Whether you’re planning to cheer in the stands of Soccer City in Mexico, under the skyscrapers of New York, or by the Pacific coast in Vancouver, being there live will be the memory of a lifetime.
But the key is preparation. Tickets will be in high demand, travel costs will rise, and only those who plan ahead will secure their place. From creating your FIFA Ticketing account today to mapping out your travel strategy, every step you take now brings you closer to being part of this once-in-a-generation spectacle.
Don’t wait until 2025 to get serious. Start preparing now, stay updated via FIFA’s official channels, and make sure when the gates open, you’re ready to claim your seat, because in 2026, the world won’t just be watching football, it will be living it. And you deserve to be right there, in the heart of it all.
