FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets – Everything on Sales, Prices, and Packages
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest football tournament ever staged, featuring for the first time 48 participating nations, 104 matches, and 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA expects more than 6.5 million spectators, which could make this tournament the most attended World Cup in history.
Due to its size and popularity, the World Cup 2026 ticket sales will be divided into several phases, each with specific rules and payment options. This article provides a complete overview of all sales phases, ticket prices, hospitality packages, how dynamic pricing works, and tips to increase your chances of getting tickets.
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? min. reading time | ? wordsSales phases of tickets for the World Cup 2026
Ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will run through multiple official FIFA sales phases. Each phase has its own rules, procedures, and ticket availability. That’s why, as a football fan, it helps to understand how these phases work and when you need to take action. Tickets are limited in every phase and are always sold under FIFA’s applicable terms and conditions.
Below you’ll find a detailed and up-to-date overview of all sales phases for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with extra explanation so you don’t miss anything [ref].
- Visa Presale Draw: 10 to 19 September 2025
- Early Ticket Draw: 27 to 31 October 2025
- Random Selection Draw: 11 December 2025 to 13 January 2026
- Supporters of participating teams: 11 December 2025 to 13 January 2026
- Last-Minute Sales Phase: shortly before the tournament starts.
Visa Presale Draw
The Visa Presale Draw was the very first chance to buy tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This sales phase has now ended. It is no longer possible to enter the draw or purchase tickets during this phase.
During this presale, only holders of a valid Visa card could participate. This included Visa credit cards, debit cards, or reloadable prepaid cards that were not expired. The entry period ran from 10 to 19 September 2025.
After entry, a draw took place. Fans who were selected received a time slot to purchase tickets, subject to availability. This phase was mainly intended to give Visa users an exclusive advantage at the start of ticket sales.
Early Ticket Draw
The Early Ticket Draw was the second sales phase for 2026 World Cup tickets and it has also ended. This phase did not offer direct sales either, but used a draw-based system.
Registration for the Early Ticket Draw ran from 27 to 31 October 2025. As with the Visa Presale, fans first had to submit an application. Successful applicants were then selected at random and received a personal time slot to buy tickets.
It’s important to know that entering the Visa Presale Draw did not automatically enter you into this phase. Fans had to register again to have a chance of getting tickets in the Early Ticket Draw.
Random Selection Draw
The Random Selection Draw is the third official sales phase and is open to football fans worldwide. This is one of the key phases, because anyone can take part without special requirements.
The application period for this sales phase runs from 11 December 2025 to 13 January 2026. The start and end time are the same worldwide, but shown in different time zones: 11:00 am Eastern Time, 08:00 am Pacific Time, 10:00 am Mexico City Time, and 17:00 Central European Time.
Again, taking part in earlier sales phases does not carry over. Even if you entered the Visa Presale or the Early Ticket Draw, you still need to register again for the Random Selection Draw.
Supporters of participating teams
Alongside the general ticket sales, there is a special sales phase for supporters of participating teams, also known as Participating Member Associations (PMAs). These are the national teams competing in the 2026 World Cup.
PMA Supporters are fans who meet the requirements set by their national association and who apply for supporter or conditional supporter tickets. This sales phase runs alongside the Random Selection Draw, from 11 December 2025 to 13 January 2026.
Each national association has its own guidelines and conditions. The ticket products available for PMA supporters, subject to the applicable terms and conditions, are as follows:
- Supporter Tickets: provide access to all three group-stage matches of the selected national team. These tickets are not conditional.
- Conditional Supporter Tickets: are intended for the knockout stage and cover all possible rounds (Round of 32, Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, the bronze final, and the final). These tickets are conditional and only become valid if the team actually qualifies for the relevant round.
Last-Minute Sales Phase
Shortly before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, the final sales phase will take place. In this period, any remaining tickets may be sold on a first come, first served basis.
This is often the last chance to secure official World Cup tickets. Availability is usually very limited, and popular matches tend to sell out quickly.
Additional ticket options
Besides the regular sales phases, FIFA also offers a few extra options for fans who weren’t able to secure tickets.
- FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace: via the official resale platform, fans can list tickets or buy tickets from other supporters. Availability depends on listings and cannot be guaranteed.
- Hospitality Packages: FIFA also offers hospitality packages that combine match tickets with additional services such as catering and exclusive access.
Ticket products and categories World Cup 2026
For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA offers different ticket products and categories. That way, every fan can choose what fits their budget, travel plans, and favourite team. Whether you want to attend one match, see multiple games in the same stadium, or follow your national team in the group stage, there are several options [ref].
Not all ticket products are available in every sales phase. The offering can differ per phase and always depends on availability. If you stay flexible and keep an eye on multiple sales moments, you increase your chances of getting tickets.
Ticket products World Cup 2026
The ticket products for the 2026 World Cup are designed for the general public and vary in format and content. Below is an overview of the main types of World Cup tickets.
- Single Match Tickets
- Venue Specific Tickets
- Team Specific Tickets
Single Match Tickets
A Single Match Ticket gives one person entry to a specific match in a specific stadium. This is the most popular option for fans who want to attend just one or a few matches. Each ticket is valid for one person and is subject to FIFA’s official terms and conditions.
Single Match Tickets are ideal if you want to see a blockbuster match, catch a game in your holiday destination, or you’re only staying in a host country for a short time.
Venue Specific Tickets
With Venue Specific Tickets, you buy a package that includes multiple matches in the same stadium. You receive one ticket for several, though not all, matches scheduled at that venue.
This option is popular with fans who stay in one city for longer and want to soak up as much World Cup atmosphere as possible without constantly travelling. An extended version is also available, which includes more matches at the same stadium.
Team Specific Tickets
Team Specific Tickets are designed for supporters who want to follow their favourite country at the 2026 World Cup. With this ticket product, you get access to all three group-stage matches of your chosen team.
Please note: this ticket is valid only for the group stage and does not include knockout rounds such as the Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, or the final. It’s perfect for fans who want certainty that they will see their team live at least three times.
All ticket products are subject to availability and are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Ticket categories World Cup 2026
Besides the ticket product, the ticket category is also important. The category determines where you sit in the stadium and directly affects the price. The available categories can vary by sales phase.
- Category 1: Category 1 is the most expensive ticket category and offers seats with the best view of the pitch. These seats are usually located in the lower tier and are popular with fans who want the most intense match experience.
- Category 2: Category 2 sits outside the Category 1 areas and is available in both lower and upper tiers. This category offers a strong balance between price and view.
- Category 3: Category 3 tickets sit outside the Category 1 and 2 areas and are typically located in the upper tier. This is a budget-friendly option for fans who mainly come for the atmosphere.
- Category 4: Category 4 is the most affordable option, also located in the upper tier outside the other categories. These tickets are intended to keep the tournament accessible to as many fans as possible.
- Accessible seating: all World Cup stadiums include dedicated areas for people with disabilities and limited mobility, designed to make sure everyone can enjoy the World Cup live.
Ticket categories for supporters
For fans who purchase Supporter Tickets through their national team, separate ticket categories apply. These categories ensure supporters of the same country are seated together.
For example, if you buy Supporter Tickets for the Netherlands, you will sit with other Dutch fans. That adds extra atmosphere and a true supporters’ experience.
- Supporter Premier Tier: located closest to the pitch and typically in the lower tier. This is the most exclusive supporter category.
- Supporter Standard Tier: located directly behind the Premier Tier and offers good views at a slightly lower price.
- Supporter Value Tier: located behind the Standard Tier and aimed at fans who want to support their team at a more affordable price.
- Supporter Entry Tier: allocated specifically to supporters of qualified teams, with selection and distribution managed by the national associations themselves.
Hospitality and extra options
For fans looking for more comfort, hospitality packages are also available. These packages combine match tickets with additional services such as food, drinks, and exclusive access.
Resale and exchange of World Cup 2026 tickets via FIFA’s official marketplace
Can’t make it to a 2026 World Cup match after all, or still looking for official tickets through a safe route? Then the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is the only official way to resell, exchange, or buy second-hand World Cup tickets from other fans [ref].
This marketplace was created by FIFA to protect supporters from invalid tickets, inflated prices, and unreliable third-party platforms. It’s accessible via FIFA.com/tickets and operates fully under the official rules and terms of the 2026 World Cup.
What is the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace?
The FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is the official platform where fans can list their 2026 World Cup tickets for other supporters. For residents of Canada, the United States, and all other countries, it’s the FIFA Resale Marketplace. For residents of Mexico, there is a separate version: the FIFA Exchange Marketplace (Mercado de Intercambio de la FIFA).
The goal is safe, controlled resale in line with local and international regulations, so you can avoid buying or selling invalid tickets.
When does the marketplace open?
The official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace opens on 2 October 2025. From then on, fans can list tickets or buy tickets originally purchased by other supporters.
Which tickets can you resell or exchange?
Only 2026 World Cup tickets originally purchased through FIFA can be listed on the official marketplace. This is the only permitted source for resale within FIFA’s system.
Not all ticket types are eligible. The following tickets cannot be sold or exchanged on the marketplace:
- Digital collectables and tickets from FIFA Collect
- Ticket-inclusive hospitality packages
- Accreditation passes
- Complimentary or promotional tickets
Is resale guaranteed?
Listing tickets on the official second-hand marketplace does not mean they will automatically be sold. Resale or exchange always depends on demand from other fans.
Popular matches, like big group-stage clashes or knockout games, typically sell faster than less in-demand fixtures.
Buying tickets via the marketplace
If you buy 2026 World Cup tickets via the official marketplace, you’re purchasing tickets originally bought by other supporters. Prices can vary by host country, ticket product, and local regulations.
FIFA may also apply restrictions on resale pricing, as set out in the official terms and conditions. This helps keep the system fair and transparent.
Note: official sales phases often offer a wider range of ticket products and categories than the marketplace. It can be smart to follow both options.
Ticket delivery via the marketplace
All tickets purchased through the marketplace are delivered as mobile tickets via the official FIFA World Cup 2026 App for Android and iOS.
As with regular tickets, these mobile tickets are only made available closer to the tournament.
Why use only FIFA’s official marketplace?
By using only FIFA’s official marketplace, you avoid problems at the stadium entrance. Tickets bought via external websites, social media, or viagogo-like platforms carry a high risk of being invalid.
For maximum security, fair pricing, and official support, FIFA’s marketplace is the best and safest choice for second-hand 2026 World Cup tickets.
Transfer tickets to someone else for the 2026 World Cup
Can’t attend a World Cup match yourself, or want to permanently give your ticket to someone else? FIFA offers an official Ticket Transfer feature for the 2026 World Cup. With it, you can safely and fully transfer your World Cup tickets to another person, without the risk of invalid use.
Ticket Transfer is available to all fans who purchased their tickets via FIFA.com, whether during an official sales phase or through the official marketplace.
What exactly is Ticket Transfer?
With Ticket Transfer, you hand over full ownership and all rights of a ticket to another person. The recipient becomes the new main ticket holder and is fully responsible from that moment on.
The new ticket holder can use the ticket personally, transfer it again, list it on the marketplace, or later share it with a guest via the World Cup app.
Where do you transfer tickets?
Transferring 2026 World Cup tickets is done via the Ticket Transfer feature within the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace. This environment is accessible via FIFA’s website.
This official route is designed to protect fans from fraud, misuse, and problems at the stadium entrance.
Which tickets can you transfer?
Most standard 2026 World Cup tickets are eligible for Ticket Transfer, including:
- Supporter Tickets
- Conditional Supporter Tickets
- Single Match Tickets
- Venue Specific Tickets
- Team Specific Tickets
Tickets that are part of a larger package, such as Venue Specific Tickets or Team Specific Tickets, can be transferred individually as separate Single Match Tickets.
Please note: some tickets may be excluded from transfer, such as complimentary, promotional, or restricted tickets.
Ticket Transfer vs sharing a ticket: what’s the difference?
It’s important to understand the difference between transferring a ticket and sharing a ticket. If you simply want to send a ticket to a privately invited guest for match attendance while you remain the main ticket holder, Ticket Transfer is not what you need.
In that case, you’ll use the FIFA World Cup 2026 App once it becomes available. Via the app, you can share tickets with friends or family without transferring ownership rights.
Ticket Transfer is intended for situations where you want to permanently give the ticket to someone else.
Why avoid external platforms?
FIFA strongly discourages transferring tickets via third-party websites, social media, or unofficial accounts. This can cause issues such as failed transfers, invalid tickets, or being unable to cancel or accept a transfer.
By using Ticket Transfer only between official FIFA accounts, you keep the process secure and ensure the ticket remains valid for stadium entry.
Safe and official World Cup ticket transfers
The Ticket Transfer feature is the safest way to transfer 2026 World Cup tickets to another person. Everything happens within FIFA’s system and under the applicable rules and regulations.
Want to make someone happy with a World Cup ticket or can’t go yourself? Always use the official Ticket Transfer process and avoid unnecessary risks.
Ticket prices FIFA World Cup 2026
The exact FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket prices will only be announced officially shortly before sales begin. Still, based on previous World Cups and economic analysis, it’s possible to form a solid expectation. FIFA typically uses four price tiers (categories), determined by where your seat is located in the stadium.
- Category 1: premium seats on the long side, close to the pitch
- Category 2: seats with good views, usually a bit farther from the centre
- Category 3: cheaper seats, often in the corners or upper rows
- Category 4: the most affordable tickets, typically for residents of host countries
Expected ticket prices by round and category (in USD)
| Round | Cat. 1 | Cat. 2 | Cat. 3 | Cat. 4* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group stage | $180 | $140 | $90 | $60 |
| Round of 16 | $350 | $250 | $175 | $125 |
| Quarter-finals | $450 | $325 | $225 | $175 |
| Semi-finals | $900 | $600 | $400 | $300 |
| Third-place match | $500 | $350 | $225 | $150 |
| Final | $1,000 | $700 | $500 | $250 |
*Category 4 is usually only available to residents of the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
These prices are indicative, but based on historical data and economic factors such as inflation and higher operating costs for a tournament hosted across three countries.
Hospitality packages World Cup 2026
For fans who want to combine the World Cup with luxury and comfort, FIFA offers official hospitality tickets for World Cup 2026 via On Location. These packages offer more than entry: access to exclusive lounges, culinary service, entertainment, and often the best viewing locations.
Available packages
- Single Match Hospitality – Perfect for fans who want to experience one specific match in style. Includes premium seat, lounge access, and catering. From approx. $1,450 – $1,525.
- Match Series Hospitality – Multiple matches across the tournament. Ideal if you’re staying longer or want to see multiple teams. From approx. $4,500.
- Follow My Team – Follow your team through the group stage and possibly the Round of 16. Popular with supporters’ groups. From approx. $8,000 – $10,000.
- Venue Series – All matches in one stadium. Great if you don’t want to travel between cities. From approx. $6,000 to over $24,000.
- Private Suites & Platinum Access – The ultimate VIP experience with private service and maximum comfort. From $25,000 to over $70,000.
Variable ticket prices – Dynamic Pricing
FIFA is exploring dynamic pricing, where prices adjust based on supply and demand. The principle is similar to airline tickets or hotel rates:
- High demand can lead to rapid price increases, sometimes within the first hours of a sales phase.
- Low demand can lead to temporary price drops, especially for less popular matches or later group-stage dates.
Dynamic pricing can mean two people pay different amounts for the same match, depending on when they buy.
FIFA has indicated that official supporter sections will likely remain excluded from this system. That helps fans of participating teams know what they’ll pay in advance. For all other categories: the earlier you buy, the better your chance of the lowest price.
Where to buy World Cup 2026 tickets
Tickets are available only through official FIFA channels. This is intended to combat ticket fraud and inflated black-market prices.
- FIFA.com/tickets: for regular tickets
- FIFA.com/hospitality: for hospitality packages
- Official resale module: for returns and last-minute sales
FIFA explicitly warns against unofficial websites and sellers. Tickets bought outside official channels may be declared invalid.
Tips to increase your chances of World Cup 2026 tickets
- Create a FIFA ID now and make sure your profile is complete.
- Get a Visa card if you want to join the Visa Presale Draw.
- Stay flexible with match and stadium choices; it can significantly increase your chances.
- Be ready for the time slot you may receive after a draw.
- Only buy through official channels to avoid problems at the gate.
- Be fast when a first-come-first-served phase opens.
Ticket delivery World Cup 2026
Have you successfully purchased tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Then it helps to know how and when you’ll receive them. FIFA is going fully digital for the 2026 World Cup, meaning all tickets are available only as mobile tickets through the official tournament app [ref].
That makes the World Cup a mobile-only entry tournament. It may feel different at first, but the system is mainly designed to reduce fraud and make stadium entry smoother.
Mobile tickets via the official World Cup app
All 2026 World Cup tickets will be delivered as mobile tickets in the official FIFA World Cup 2026 app. You will not receive tickets by post, nor as a PDF or e-ticket by email.
Once your tickets are available, FIFA will send you an email with clear instructions. That email will explain when your tickets will appear in the app and what you may need to do to activate everything correctly.
Important: screenshots, photos, or printouts of your tickets will not be accepted at the stadium entrance. Only the original mobile ticket in the app will grant entry.
No e-tickets or downloads
Mobile tickets for the 2026 World Cup are different from traditional e-tickets. You can’t download them as a document or save them as a PDF. This is a deliberate FIFA choice to prevent misuse and resale through unauthorised channels.
Make sure your phone works properly, has enough battery, and that you install and test the World Cup app in advance. Without access to the app, you won’t be able to enter the stadium.
When will you receive your World Cup tickets?
The exact timing of ticket delivery can vary by situation. In most cases, tickets become available closer to the tournament. FIFA will always communicate timing in advance by email.
Did you purchase so-called conditional tickets, for example for a match in a later round? Then you’ll only get access once your national team actually qualifies for that round. Until then, those tickets remain inactive.
This means it’s normal for some tickets to appear later than others. As long as you have received a purchase confirmation, there’s usually no reason to worry.
More information closer to World Cup 2026
In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, FIFA will provide more detailed information about the app and ticket delivery. This may include guidance on transferring tickets, using multiple tickets on one phone, and technical requirements.
The best advice for fans is to regularly check FIFA’s official communications and the FAQs. That way you travel well prepared and avoid surprises at the stadium entrance.
Visa and travel requirements
You do not need a ticket to apply for a visa for the host countries of the 2026 World Cup. Likewise, obtaining a visa does not guarantee you can purchase or be allocated World Cup tickets.
You may apply for a visa at any time, regardless of the ticketing process. It is always your responsibility to meet the travel, documentation, and medical requirements for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Priority with FIFA PASS
World Cup 2026 ticket holders attending matches in the United States receive priority for US visa appointments. FIFA and the US government introduced the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) for this [ref].
With FIFA PASS, fans with a valid World Cup ticket can book a visa appointment faster at a US embassy or consulate. This is priority for the interview, not automatic approval. All normal visa rules and security checks still apply.
Fans from countries that require a US visa are advised to start their application as early as possible. Supporters from countries in the Visa Waiver Program usually do not need a visa and can travel with an approved ESTA. For many World Cup fans, applying for a visa or ESTA in time is essential to visit World Cup 2026 matches in the US without issues.
References
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Everything about World Cup 2026 tickets: sales phases, prices, packages, and tips to secure your seats. FIFA applies dynamic pricing.
About the author
Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.
I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.
