2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets: Release Date, Prices, How to Buy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest soccer event in history. The tournament takes place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time, 48 teams will compete instead of 32. A total of 104 matches will be played in 16 cities across North America.
The World Cup starts on June 11, 2026 and wraps up with the final on July 19, 2026. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey hosts the championship match. Fans from every corner of the globe are making plans to attend.
This guide breaks down how to get tickets and what they cost. You’ll learn about stadiums, seating choices, resale rules, and special ticket packages. Everything here is current as of December 2025.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Timeline – Updated December 2025
Ticket sales are already rolling. Over 2 million tickets have gone to fans across 212 countries. Several phases have wrapped up and the current application window is open right now. Here’s the complete timeline:
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw (Completed)
- Entry Period: September 10-19, 2025
- Eligibility: Visa cardholders only
- Purchasing Windows: Started October 1, 2025
- Selected fans got emails with specific dates and time slots to buy tickets
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (Completed)
- Registration Window: October 27-31, 2025
- Process: Application-based selection
- Selected members got emails with purchase slots
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw (CURRENTLY OPEN)
- Timing: December 11, 2025 through January 13, 2026 (after the World Cup draw on December 5, 2025)
- Advantage: Fans know team assignments and match locations
- Best For: Supporters who want to follow specific teams
Secure your spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup – Buy Tickets on StubHub Today
Ongoing Sales
FIFA keeps releasing tickets in phases leading up to the tournament in June 2026. They’ll announce more purchase opportunities for fans who missed out in earlier rounds.
Already Available
Hospitality packages are on sale now and don’t require a lottery. These guarantee you get in with premium amenities.
World Cup Ticket Availability and Types
FIFA has different ticket options to fit all kinds of fans. Each type comes with its own perks.
Single Match Tickets: These tickets get you into one match. Available through the ticket draw system for all matches from group stage through the final.
Venue-Series Packages: Starting at $8,275, this package gets you into all matches (4-9 games) at one stadium throughout the tournament. No match days or stages are left out.
Follow-My-Team Packages: Starting at $6,750, you can follow your national team through all group stage matches plus one Round of 32 match. Note: Not available right now for host nations (USA, Mexico, Canada). Comes with matchday hospitality.
Single Match Hospitality: Starting at $1,350 per person, you get one group stage game (host nations not included) and one Round of 32 match, plus FIFA hospitality perks.
VIP & Hospitality Packages: These come with premium seats, meals, and access to private lounges. Prices run higher, but these packages guarantee you get in without a lottery. Available now through official FIFA partners.
Each package sells only through FIFA’s official site or its listed partners. Stay away from other sellers to protect yourself.
How Much Do World Cup 2026 Tickets Cost – Updated Pricing
FIFA rolled out dynamic pricing for the first time in World Cup history. Ticket prices go up or down based on real-time demand, similar to airline tickets. Prices can shift a lot depending on when you buy and which teams are playing.
Current Price Ranges
| Match Stage | Starting Price | Premium Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 | Up to $600+ |
| Round of 32 | $118 | Up to $800+ |
| Round of 16 | $118 | $318+ |
| Quarterfinals | $235 | $494+ |
| Semifinals | $412 | $1,118+ |
| Final | $1,825 | $6,730 |
Opening Match Pricing:
- Mexico Opening: $370 – $1,825
- Canada Opening: $355 – $1,745
- USA Opening: $560 – $2,735
Price Context
These prices show a huge jump from Qatar 2022, where the priciest final ticket was $1,607. The cheapest ticket to the 2026 final ($1,825) is more than eleven times what fans paid for the same seat in Qatar.
Hospitality Packages (Guaranteed Entry)
- Single Match: Starting at $1,350
- Venue Series: Starting at $8,275
- Follow My Team: Starting at $6,750
Important Dynamic Pricing Notes
- Buy early for best prices: FIFA officials say prices will probably go up as demand grows
- Prices can drop: Low demand can push prices down close to match day (like the 2023 Club World Cup where some tickets fell from $474 to $13)
- Uncertainty factor eliminated: After the December 5, 2025 draw, you can buy tickets knowing which teams will play in your matches
Factors Affecting Ticket Prices
A bunch of things determine how much a World Cup ticket costs. Understanding these helps you plan your budget and maybe save some money.
Match Stage: Prices jump a lot in later rounds. Group stage games are the cheapest, while semifinals and the final cost premium prices.
Team Popularity: Dynamic pricing means matches with popular teams like Argentina (with Lionel Messi), Brazil, England, or host nations cost more than matches between lower-ranked teams.
Host City: Big metro areas like New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Miami tend to charge higher ticket prices. Smaller venues in cities like Kansas City might be easier on your wallet.
Seat Location: FIFA has four seating categories. Category 1 seats are near the center of the field and cost the most. Category 4 seats are higher up or behind the goal and cost the least.
Purchase Timing: Buying early usually gets you better value. Prices can drop for low demand closer to match day. Waiting is risky though because popular matches will sell out or get more expensive.
Team Assignment Knowledge: Tickets bought after the December 5, 2025 draw (Phase 3) let you know which teams play where, but might cost more because demand is higher.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Categories and Seating Options
FIFA has four seating categories. Each category gives you a different view and price level. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Category | Location in Stadium | View Quality | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Midfield (lower tier) | Best view | Highest |
| Category 2 | Corners (lower/mid tiers) | Very good | High |
| Category 3 | Behind the goals | Good | Moderate |
| Category 4 | Upper levels, end zones | Basic view | Lowest |
FIFA also has accessible seating for fans with disabilities. These seats are in easy-to-reach areas with clear views and extra support.
How to Buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets – Step by Step
Buying tickets means following the official FIFA process. Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Create a FIFA ID
Head to FIFA.com/tickets and sign up. This is required for all ticket purchases and gets you access to all ticket updates and future sales phases.
Step 2: Register Your Interest
Once you have your FIFA ID, sign up for ticket alerts. You’ll get emails about upcoming sale dates and draw entry windows.
Step 3: Enter Available Ticket Draws
Apply during open registration periods (check FIFA’s website for current phases). You need to enter a lottery for your preferred matches. The system picks applicants randomly.
Step 4: Wait for Selection Notification
FIFA sends you an email with a specific date and time slot to buy tickets. These windows are limited, so jump on it quickly.
Step 5: Complete Your Payment
Follow the instructions in your notification email. You need to finish payment within your assigned time window to lock in your tickets. Accepted payment method: Visa cards (FIFA’s exclusive payment partner).
Step 6: Check Future Phases
More ticket phases will open throughout the year, with the best chances coming after the December 5, 2025 group draw.
Alternative: Buy Hospitality Tickets Now
Hospitality and VIP packages are available right away without a lottery at fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com. These guarantee entry and come with premium amenities.
CRITICAL: Only use FIFA’s official platform or listed partners to buy tickets. Stay away from any third-party sites to avoid scams and fake tickets.
Tickets Resale and Transfer Policies
FIFA runs an official resale platform for the 2026 World Cup, but policies have changed quite a bit from previous tournaments.
Official Resale Platform Changes
In the United States and Canada: FIFA now allows uncapped resale prices (no price ceiling). This is different from previous World Cups where resale prices were capped at face value. Some final tickets are already listed for over $25,000 on the official platform.
In Mexico: A separate official ticket exchange platform will run for residents with traditional face-value resale caps.
FIFA’s Resale Fees
- FIFA collects 15% from buyers
- FIFA collects 15% from sellers
- Total: 30% of each resale goes to FIFA (up from about 10% at previous World Cups)
Safe Ticket Transfers
You can transfer your ticket to someone you know through your FIFA account. Once you transfer it, the other person controls it and you can’t take it back.
For temporary access without giving up ownership, use the “Send Your Ticket” feature in the FIFA app. This lets you keep ownership while sharing access with your guest.
Warning About Unofficial Resellers
Don’t use unofficial resale websites or other third-party platforms. FIFA doesn’t approve these. Tickets bought there might be:
- Fake or invalid
- Overpriced with no buyer protection
- Subject to cancellation
Always stick with the official FIFA resale system for any ticket changes or purchases.
Stadium Locations and Host Cities
The 2026 World Cup happens in 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Each country hosts matches in multiple cities. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
| Stadium | City | Country | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife Stadium | East Rutherford | USA | Final |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico | Opening Match |
| AT&T Stadium | Arlington (Dallas) | USA | Semifinal |
| Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta | USA | Semifinal |
| SoFi Stadium | Inglewood (LA) | USA | Round of 16 |
| Lumen Field | Seattle | USA | Group Stage |
| Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara | USA | Round of 16 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | USA | Round of 16 |
| Lincoln Financial Field | Philadelphia | USA | Group Stage |
| Gillette Stadium | Foxborough (Boston) | USA | Group Stage |
| Hard Rock Stadium | Miami | USA | Quarterfinal |
| Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City | USA | Group Stage |
| Estadio BBVA | Monterrey | Mexico | Group Stage |
| Estadio Akron | Guadalajara | Mexico | Group Stage |
| BMO Field | Toronto | Canada | Group Stage |
| BC Place | Vancouver | Canada | Group Stage |
These stadiums sit in major cities with solid airports, hotels, and public transport. You can catch matches in one spot or plan travel between cities.
2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets FAQ: All you need to know
When do tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales already started. Phase 1 (Visa presale) ran September 10-19, 2025, with purchases kicking off October 1. Phase 2 registration opened October 27-31. Phase 3 started after the December 5 draw. Hospitality packages are on sale now.
How much will tickets cost?
Prices run from $60 for group stage seats to $6,730 for premium final seats. Dynamic pricing shifts costs based on demand. The cheapest final ticket starts around $1,825.
What is dynamic pricing?
FIFA uses demand-based pricing for the first time. Prices go up when demand is high and can drop when demand is low. Ticket costs can change daily based on things like team popularity and how many seats are left.
Can I attend more than one match in a day?
Yes. You can buy multiple tickets in one order. FIFA allows group and family purchases.
Can I buy tickets for my family?
Yes. You can buy multiple tickets in one order. FIFA allows group and family purchases.
What if my team doesn’t qualify?
Wait until after the tournament draw on December 5, 2025, to grab Follow-My-Team packages. This makes sure your team qualified and you know where they’ll play.
How do I get special access or VIP seats?
Go to fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com to buy hospitality packages. These are available now without a lottery and give you guaranteed entry plus premium amenities.
Why are 2026 tickets so expensive?
This is the priciest World Cup in history because of dynamic pricing, bigger stadium capacity, and FIFA’s revenue goals. Tickets cost way more than Qatar 2022.
Can ticket prices go down?
Yes, with dynamic pricing, tickets for less popular matches might drop in price as the match gets closer. This is risky though because popular matches will sell out or get pricier.
Do I need a Visa card to buy tickets?
Visa is FIFA’s exclusive payment partner. Phase 1 was Visa-only. Later phases might accept Visa cards for payment, so having one is smart.
What happens after the December draw?
After December 5, 2025, you can buy tickets knowing which teams play in which cities. This clears up the uncertainty but might come with higher prices because demand goes up.
Last Updated: 7 December 2025