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The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be a historic event as the first tournament hosted by three nations and featuring an expanded 48-team format. With the tournament scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, many soccer fans worldwide are eager to secure their seats at this monumental sporting spectacle.
If you’re wondering about the ticket sales timeline, registration process, and how to maximize your chances of attending this once-in-a-lifetime event, you’ve come to the right place.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Timeline
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and many fans are already planning their North American adventure. According to various sources, general ticket sales for the tournament will likely begin in late 2025, approximately 7-9 months before the opening match.
Current Status of Ticket Sales
As of May 2025, FIFA has not yet launched general ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup. However, premium hospitality packages became available on May 6, 2025, through On Location, FIFA’s exclusive hospitality provider. These high-end options start at $3,500 per person and reach up to $73,200 for the most luxurious experiences.
For most soccer enthusiasts seeking standard tickets, FIFA currently offers the option to register your interest through their official website. This registration doesn’t guarantee tickets but ensures you’ll receive updates about the sales process directly from FIFA.
Expected General Ticket Sales Launch
Based on patterns from previous tournaments and information from official sources, general ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will most likely begin between August and November 2025. Several indicators point to this timeframe:
- Vancouver’s World Cup organizing committee mentioned “late 2025” as the start of ticket sales
- World Cup qualifiers will conclude in November 2025
- The official World Cup draw is expected in December 2025
The initial sales phase typically occurs before teams know their exact matchups, allowing fans to purchase tickets for specific venues or matches without knowing which teams will play. This approach enables FIFA to start selling tickets earlier in the process.
Understanding the World Cup Ticket Sales Process
FIFA traditionally releases World Cup tickets in several phases, giving fans multiple opportunities to secure their seats at the tournament.
Sales Phases Explained
The World Cup ticketing process typically unfolds in four main stages:
- Phase 1 (Fall 2025): This will likely be a random lottery phase where fans apply for tickets before the World Cup draw. You can request tickets for specific venues or matches without knowing the participating teams.
- Phase 2 (Early 2026): Following the World Cup draw in December 2025, this phase will allow fans to purchase tickets with knowledge of group stage matchups.
- Phase 3 (Spring 2026): Last-minute sales phase, operating on a first-come, first-served basis for any remaining tickets.
- Resale Platform (2026): Official resale platform for fans to sell unwanted tickets at face value.
Types of Tickets Available
FIFA will offer several ticket options to accommodate different fan preferences:
- Individual Match Tickets: Purchase tickets for specific matches.
- Team-Specific Tickets: Follow your favorite national team throughout the tournament.
- Stadium-Specific Tickets: Attend all matches at a particular venue.
- Hospitality Packages: Premium experiences including exclusive lounges and additional amenities.
Expected Ticket Prices for World Cup 2026
Official ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup haven’t been announced yet. However, we can make educated estimates based on previous tournaments and information from FIFA’s bid documents.
Projected Price Ranges
When the United States, Canada, and Mexico submitted their joint bid, they projected average group stage ticket prices of approximately $305. Based on previous tournaments and inflation, fans can expect prices in these approximate ranges:
- Group Stage: $15-$230
- Round of 32: $20-$290
- Round of 16: $40-$350
- Quarterfinals: $85-$450
- Semifinals: $140-$960
- Third-place match: $85-$450
- Final: $300-$1,000+
These projections represent different ticket categories, with Category 4 being the most affordable and Category 1 offering premium seating.
Premium Hospitality Options
For fans seeking enhanced experiences, hospitality packages offer premium seating and exclusive amenities. These packages have already gone on sale through FIFA’s official hospitality partner, On Location.
Current hospitality offerings include:
- U.S. Venue Series: Tickets to every match in a specific host city, ranging from $8,275 to $73,200 depending on the venue and package level.
- U.S. Four-Match Series: A bundle of four games across various U.S. venues, starting at $5,300.
- Follow My Team Series: Packages to follow a specific nation throughout the group stage, starting at $6,600.
World Cup 2026 Tournament Details
Understanding the tournament structure helps contextualize your ticket purchasing strategy.
Host Cities and Venues
The 2026 World Cup will span 16 cities across North America:
- United States (11 cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
- Canada (2 cities): Toronto and Vancouver.
- Mexico (3 cities): Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
The final match will take place at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey area on July 19, 2026. The tournament’s opening match will occur at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The 2026 World Cup introduces an expanded format featuring 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stages.
Key tournament dates include:
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27, 2026
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3, 2026
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7, 2026
- Quarterfinals: July 9 – July 11, 2026
- Semifinals: July 14 – July 15, 2026
- Third-place match: July 18, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026
With 104 matches scheduled throughout the tournament (up from 64 in previous editions), fans will have more opportunities than ever to experience World Cup action.
Tips for Securing World Cup 2026 Tickets
Competition for World Cup tickets will be fierce. Here are strategies to improve your chances:
Prepare Early
Mark your calendar for the expected ticket sales launch in late 2025. Set reminders and keep checking FIFA’s official channels for announcements.
Create your FIFA account now and ensure your payment information stays current. FIFA typically requires immediate payment when tickets are allocated through their lottery system.
Consider Multiple Options
Apply for various matches and categories rather than focusing solely on high-demand games like the final or your home country’s matches. This flexible approach increases your overall chances of attending the tournament.
Group stage matches, especially those not involving major teams, typically offer better availability. The expanded 48-team format means more matches and potentially better access opportunities.
Have Backup Plans
If you don’t secure tickets through the official FIFA sales process, legitimate alternatives exist. Tour operators often receive ticket allocations as part of official packages including accommodation and transportation.
The official FIFA resale platform will allow fans to sell unwanted tickets at face value, creating another opportunity to purchase tickets closer to the tournament.
FAQs
1. When exactly will FIFA start selling World Cup 2026 tickets?
FIFA has not announced exact dates yet, but general ticket sales will likely begin between August and November 2025. The first phase typically occurs before the World Cup draw (expected in December 2025), with subsequent phases following in early 2026 after group assignments are determined.
2. How much will World Cup 2026 tickets cost?
Official prices haven’t been announced, but estimates suggest group stage tickets may range from $15-$230, with knockout round tickets progressively increasing to $300-$1,000+ for the final. Premium hospitality packages are already available starting at $3,500 and reaching $73,200 for top-tier experiences.
3. How can I register my interest for World Cup 2026 tickets?
Visit FIFA’s official website (fifa.com) and navigate to the World Cup 2026 section where you can register your interest by providing your email address and basic information. This registration ensures you’ll receive notifications when ticket sales officially begin.
4. Will tickets be sold through a lottery system?
Yes, the initial sales phase will likely use a random selection lottery system where fans apply for tickets without guarantee of allocation. Later phases may transition to first-come, first-served sales for any remaining tickets, similar to previous World Cup tournaments.
5. What happens if I can’t get tickets through the official FIFA sale?
If you miss out on the official FIFA sales phases, legitimate alternatives include the official FIFA resale platform (allowing fans to sell unwanted tickets at face value), authorized ticket-inclusive travel packages, and hospitality packages which typically remain available longer than standard tickets.