How to Get 2026 World Cup Tickets Without Winning the Lottery
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest soccer tournament in history. The event spreads across the United States, Mexico and Canada with 48 teams competing in 104 matches. Millions of fans want tickets but the lottery system makes getting them difficult.
Most people who enter the lottery come away disappointed. The good news is the lottery is not your only choice.
Several proven methods let you buy World Cup tickets directly without depending on luck. This guide shows you every alternative path to securing your spot at the 2026 World Cup.
Understanding the Standard Lottery System
FIFA sells most World Cup tickets through a lottery draw system. You create a FIFA account and register during specific entry windows. The system randomly selects winners from millions of applications. Three separate lottery phases run from September 2025 through early 2026.
Millions of people apply while only a small percentage get selected. Many fans enter all three phases and still receive nothing. This uncertainty makes planning trips nearly impossible.
Buy Hospitality Packages (Guaranteed Tickets Available Now)
Hospitality packages provide the most reliable way to secure World Cup tickets right now. These premium packages completely bypass the lottery system.
You pay higher prices but receive guaranteed entry to matches plus luxury benefits. No lottery entry is required. You buy the package today and your tickets are confirmed immediately.
Three main hospitality packages are available. The Single Match Hospitality package starts at $1,350 per person and includes one group stage match and one Round of 32 match. You receive premium seating with access to climate-controlled lounges with complimentary food and beverages.
The Venue Series package costs $8,275 per person and gives you tickets to every match at one stadium. The Follow My Team package starts at $6,750 per person and lets you attend all group stage matches for your chosen team plus one knockout match.
Hospitality packages work best for fans who value certainty over cost savings. Business travelers and overseas visitors especially benefit because they can book flights with confidence.
Wait for First-Come First-Served Sales
FIFA releases leftover tickets through first-come sales closer to the tournament. These sales typically happen in April or May 2026 after all lottery phases complete. No lottery entry is required. You simply purchase tickets as soon as they go on sale until inventory runs out.
This method works best for less popular group stage matches. Games featuring lower-ranked teams or matches on weekday afternoons often have tickets available. You need to act fast because even unpopular matches can sell out within hours.
Set up your FIFA account in advance with saved payment information. Monitor the official FIFA website daily starting in March 2026.
This method suits budget-conscious fans who care more about attending any World Cup match than seeing specific teams. Popular matches featuring big teams almost never appear in first-come sales.
Use the Official FIFA Resale Platform
FIFA operates an official ticket resale platform where fans sell tickets they can no longer use. People change travel plans for work conflicts or family emergencies. You can buy these resold tickets without entering any lottery.
In the United States and Canada, FIFA allows uncapped resale prices. Sellers can list tickets for whatever amount they choose. Some tickets for the final already appear listed above $25,000. FIFA collects 15 percent from buyers and 15 percent from sellers on every transaction.
Check the resale platform regularly because new tickets appear at unpredictable times. Popular matches get grabbed within minutes while less desirable games may sit for days. Prices sometimes drop as match day approaches. The platform protects you from fake tickets unlike unauthorized websites.
Try Phase 3 After the December Draw
Phase 3 of FIFA’s lottery launches after December 5, 2025 when the official tournament draw takes place. This phase still uses a lottery but offers better odds than earlier phases. Many fans already secured tickets through Phase 1 and Phase 2. The reduced competition means your chances improve substantially.
The major advantage involves knowing exactly which teams play in which cities. The December 5 draw reveals the complete tournament schedule. You can apply specifically for matches featuring teams you want to see. Register for Phase 3 as soon as the entry window opens.
Monitor Last-Minute Ticket Releases
FIFA typically releases additional tickets in waves as the tournament approaches. These releases concentrate in May and June 2026. The extra tickets come from sponsors who don’t use their allocations and VIP packages that go unclaimed.
Last-minute releases appear on FIFA’s official website without advance warning. You need to check the site daily and enable all notifications. These tickets sell on a first-come basis and disappear extremely fast. Have your account ready with saved payment information.
Compare Your Options (Which Method is Best)
Your budget level determines which approaches make sense. Fans with $5,000 or more per person should buy hospitality packages and eliminate all uncertainty. People working with $500 to $1,500 per person should combine multiple strategies. Enter the Phase 3 lottery after the December draw. Monitor the resale platform for reasonable prices. Watch for first-come sales announcements in April and May 2026.
Match preferences play a major role in your strategy. Seeing specific teams or attending the final requires premium options. Flexibility about which matches you attend opens more affordable possibilities.
Important Safety and Buying Tips
Only buy tickets through FIFA’s official website at fifa.com/tickets or verified hospitality partners. Never use third-party resale platforms like StubHub or Viagogo. These unauthorized platforms sell fake tickets or charge massive markups with zero buyer protection.
Scammers create fake websites that look nearly identical to official FIFA pages. Verify any website by checking FIFA’s published list of authorized sellers. Social media posts advertising cheap World Cup tickets are almost always scams. Never send money to strangers online for tickets.
Step-by-Step Action Plan – You need to follow
Start by creating your FIFA account at fifa.com/tickets today. This account gives you access to first-come sales and resale platforms. Fill out your complete profile with accurate contact information. Add your payment method and save it for quick purchases. Enable all email and mobile notifications.
Decide your budget and preferred matches to narrow down which methods suit your situation. Fans wanting guarantees should buy hospitality packages now before they sell out. Everyone else should prepare for multiple strategies starting with Phase 3 registration in December. Set calendar reminders for the December 5 draw. Bookmark the FIFA resale platform and check it weekly starting in January 2026.
2026 World Cup Tickets without Lottery FAQ
Can I really get tickets without entering the lottery?
Yes you can get tickets without the lottery. Hospitality packages are on sale now with guaranteed entry. First-come sales happen closer to the tournament. The resale platform sells tickets from fans who cannot attend.
Are hospitality packages worth the high cost?
Hospitality packages make sense for fans who value certainty. You get guaranteed tickets and better seats. The packages let you book travel with confidence.
When is the best time to buy resale tickets?
Monitor the resale platform regularly starting in January 2026. Prices sometimes drop as match day approaches. Buy when you find reasonable prices for matches you want.
Are third-party ticket sites safe to use?
No never use third-party sites for World Cup tickets. These platforms are not authorized by FIFA. Tickets bought there might be fake. Stick with fifa.com/tickets only.
The 2026 World Cup offers more tickets than any previous tournament because of the expanded format. Your chances of attending are better than you think with the right strategies. Hospitality packages provide guaranteed tickets right now.
First-come sales and the resale platform offer options throughout the next year. Phase 3 lottery improves your odds after the December draw. Start planning today by creating your FIFA account and deciding which approach fits your budget.
