2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets Resale and Transfer Policies Explained
You bought World Cup 2026 tickets but plans changed. Or you missed the lottery and want to buy tickets from someone else.
FIFA launched its official resale platform on October 2, 2025 to handle both situations. The platform brings major changes from previous World Cups including uncapped pricing and higher fees.
This guide explains exactly how resale and transfer work, what you pay in fees and how to avoid scams.
FIFA’s Official Resale Platform
The official resale platform launched October 2, 2025 at FIFA.com/tickets. This is the only legal channel for buying and selling World Cup tickets. FIFA created the platform to prevent fraud and protect fans from fake tickets. Two separate systems exist. The United States and Canada use the FIFA Resale Platform with no price limits. Mexico uses the FIFA Exchange Platform with face value caps only.
This represents a massive change from previous World Cups. Past tournaments capped resale prices at face value. The 2026 platform allows sellers in the US and Canada to charge any price they want. The platform already shows tickets listed for over $25,000 for the final.
Understanding the 30% Fee Structure
FIFA charges a 15 percent fee to sellers and a 15 percent fee to buyers. The total is 30 percent of every transaction. Previous World Cups charged around 10 percent combined. The fees increased dramatically for 2026.
| Transaction | Seller Receives | Buyer Pays | FIFA Collects |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 ticket | $85 | $115 | $30 |
| $500 ticket | $425 | $575 | $150 |
| $1,000 ticket | $850 | $1,150 | $300 |
| $5,000 ticket | $4,250 | $5,750 | $1,500 |
FIFA defends the fees as standard for North American markets. Platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek charge similar 15 percent rates. FIFA claims the revenue gets reinvested into global soccer development with 90 percent going back into the game.
Uncapped Pricing vs Face Value Limits
The United States and Canada allow uncapped resale pricing. Sellers can list tickets at any price with no restrictions. Current resale prices reach $25,000 or more for final tickets. Some tickets sell for 10 times their original face value. A Toronto opener Category 4 ticket shows $4,000 on resale when face value was around $2,400.
Mexico operates completely differently. Strict local consumer protection laws require face value caps. Sellers cannot charge more than the original purchase price. They can offer tickets for less if desired. The difference exists because US and Canadian markets remain largely unregulated while Mexico enforces stricter ticket resale laws.
Current Resale Market Prices
Final tickets start at $6,300 on the primary market. Resale listings already show prices exceeding $25,000 for championship matches. StubHub lists the cheapest final tickets at $5,937.
Most matches display “currently unavailable” because limited inventory exists. The highest demand matches sell out immediately. Resale prices for 2026 already surpass Qatar 2022 where the most expensive final ticket cost $1,607.
How to Resell Your World cup Tickets
Log into your FIFA ticketing account at FIFA.com/tickets. Navigate to the resell menu and select which tickets you want to sell. Choose your listing price. Remember you cannot exceed face value if selling Mexico matches.
Submit your tickets to the platform. FIFA controls when your tickets actually appear for sale. You receive notification once your ticket sells. The refund arrives minus the 15 percent fee. No guarantee exists that tickets will sell. You can withdraw tickets if they do not list.
Two Transfer Methods Explained
FIFA offers two completely different ways to share tickets with others. Understanding the difference prevents mistakes.
| Feature | Ticket Transfer | Send Your Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Transfers permanently | You keep ownership |
| Control | Recipient has full control | You maintain control |
| Reversible | No | Yes |
| Where to Do It | FIFA.com/tickets | FIFA Mobile App |
| Best For | Selling or giving away | Temporary guests |
Ticket Transfer means permanent ownership change. You transfer complete control to another person. They can use the ticket, transfer it again or resell it themselves. You lose all rights once the transfer completes.
The process cannot be reversed. Use this method when permanently giving or selling your ticket to someone. Complete transfers through your FIFA.com/tickets account.
Send Your Ticket means temporary guest access. You keep full ownership while letting someone else attend the match. Complete this through the FIFA mobile app after downloading your tickets. You retain all benefits and rights.
You can revoke access if needed. Use this method when inviting friends or family members temporarily.
Avoid Third-Party Resale Sites
Never buy or sell tickets through StubHub, Viagogo, Ticketmaster resale, SeatGeek or any non-FIFA platform. Using these sites violates FIFA’s Terms of Use. Your tickets may be invalid or completely fake. You risk denial at the stadium entrance. FIFA provides no buyer protection for unofficial purchases. FIFA filed criminal complaints against Viagogo in 2018 for fraudulent ticket sales.
Social media ticket offers are almost always scams. Sellers requesting wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments are 100 percent fraudulent.
Only use FIFA.com/tickets for all resale transactions. The official platform includes fraud prevention, verified ticket authenticity and guaranteed buyer protection.
Important Rules to Remember
You must use your original FIFA account to resell tickets. FIFA controls when submitted tickets actually list on the platform. Local taxes apply for matches in Mexico and Canada. Terms of Use violations can result in ticket cancellation.
The FIFA mobile app uses Bluetooth-activated barcodes that only work inside stadiums on match day. Screenshots will not work because of anti-fraud technology.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Resale FAQs
How much does FIFA charge for resales?
FIFA charges 15% to sellers and 15% to buyers for a total of 30% on every transaction.
Can I resell tickets at any price?
Yes in the US and Canada. Mexico allows face value only due to local regulations.
What is the difference between Transfer and Send?
Transfer gives permanent ownership to someone else. Send lets a guest use your ticket temporarily while you keep ownership.
Where is the official resale platform?
FIFA.com/tickets is the only official platform. It launched October 2, 2025.
Can I use StubHub or Viagogo?
No. These violate FIFA Terms of Use and risk ticket cancellation. Only use FIFA.com/tickets.
How do I transfer my ticket permanently?
Log into FIFA.com/tickets, select your ticket, and use the Ticket Transfer feature to transfer complete ownership.
When will I get my refund after reselling?
Timing varies but you receive 85% of your listing price after FIFA deducts the 15% seller fee.
The official FIFA resale platform at FIFA.com/tickets is your only safe option for buying or selling World Cup 2026 tickets.
The 30 percent total fees represent a major increase from previous tournaments. Sellers in the US and Canada can charge any price while Mexico requires face value only.
Use Ticket Transfer for permanent ownership changes and Send Your Ticket for temporary guests. Avoid all third-party sites to protect yourself from scams and invalid tickets.
