The race is on for World Cup 2026 tickets. With FIFA’s first major ticket draw now live, fans are scrambling to understand pricing, schedules, and strategies to secure seats. Below is an up‑to‑date guide to navigating the FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets landscape.

How the Ticketing Process Works

FIFA launched its ticketing program with a first application window opening on September 10, 2025. Applicants were invited to enter a lottery system to purchase tickets. Ultimately, 4.5 million applicants were selected in that lottery to have a formal chance to purchase tickets.

Those winners began to receive, or will soon receive, email notices telling them the next steps to complete their purchase. FIFA President Gianni Infantino observed: “These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement … The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26 … fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.”

Related: How to Get 2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets: Visa Presale Draw & Major Dates

The first individual game tickets officially went on sale on October 1, 2025. In the U.S., these appear via a phased distribution by FIFA. The sale phases include a Visa presale draw, followed by other windows. FIFA says about 1 million tickets will be available during the first Visa presale draw phase.

Pricing & Dynamic Pricing Model

At launch, FIFA set ticket prices to span a wide range: $60 for group‑stage matches up to $6,730 for the final. This price structure reflects the adoption of dynamic pricing, the first time such a model is being used in a men’s World Cup. The dynamic pricing means costs may change based on demand, shifting even within phases.

As seen in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA tested dynamic pricing—some matches saw tickets drop as low as $13.40 near kickoff, though FIFA pledged that World Cup ticket floors would not drop below $60. Tickets are divided into four categories: Category 1 offers the best seats; Category 4 reflects seats up high or farther away.

Where the Matches Will Be & Scheduling Challenges

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted across 16 stadiums in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Of those, 11 stadiums are in the U.S. The opening match is scheduled at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.

Given the summer heat in North America, FIFA is considering shifting kick-off times to avoid mid‑day extremes. A key proposal: scheduling matches at 5 pm, 8 pm, 11 pm, and 2 am BST to reduce thermal risk. Under that plan, some matches would begin after midnight in the UK.

How to Buy Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets

  • Register early — Applications for the first draw opened September 10, 2025.
  • Enter the lottery / Visa Presale Draw — Successful applicants will be given a window to buy tickets.
  • Monitor email notifications — Winning entries will be notified by email and given a purchase timeslot.
  • Be flexible with match and location — High-demand games or venues may sell out quickly.
  • Watch for resale windows — FIFA plans an official resale platform with enforcement in Mexico.

Political Pushback & Venue Stability

In late September 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of relocating World Cup matches. Victor Montagliani, FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF president, responded by reaffirming that “only FIFA has the authority” over host city decisions.

Final Notes & Takeaways

Between phased lotteries, dynamic pricing, and shifting schedules, securing FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets demands attentiveness and flexibility. The first wave is live now, with prices beginning at $60 and potentially scaling to $6,730 for marquee matches. Late UK kick-offs are a strong possibility, especially to avoid North American heat.

 
 
 
 
 
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