How to Buy
2026 World Cup Tickets
Master the FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket lottery with this complete guide: phase-by-phase sales dates, pricing, proven strategies to maximize your chances, and critical scam warnings.
Updated December 30, 2025 · KickoffAdventures Editorial Team
At a Glance
- Only official source: FIFA.com/tickets
- Current phase: Random Selection Draw (closes Jan 13, 2026)
- Results announced: February 2026
- Price range: $60–$6,730
- Total inventory: ~6.5M tickets
Critical Warning
Scammers are selling fake tickets months before FIFA delivers real ones. Only use FIFA.com/tickets—anywhere else is a scam.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the most attended sporting event in history, and getting tickets is brutally competitive. Nearly two million tickets were claimed in the first two phases alone, with demand from 48 qualifying nations spread across three host countries.
Here's what you need to know to navigate the system, avoid getting scammed, and actually secure your seat.
2026 World Cup Ticket Essentials
- Current Phase
- Random Selection Draw (Dec 11–Jan 13, 2026)
- Results
- Announced February 2026
- Total Inventory
- ~6.5 million tickets (104 matches)
- Price Range
- $60–$6,730
- Host Cities
- 16 cities across USA, Canada, Mexico
- Official Source
- FIFA.com/tickets ONLY
Official FIFA Ticket Sales Phases
FIFA has divided 2026 World Cup ticket sales into four distinct phases, each with different rules and eligibility. Understanding these phases is critical for planning your purchase strategy.
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw
CLOSEDPhase 2: Early Ticket Draw
CLOSEDPhase 3: Random Selection Draw
CURRENT - CLOSES JAN 13Sources: Inside FIFA, LA Times, Fox 7 Austin (December 2025)
Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served
UPCOMINGSources: Panda Security, Better Business Bureau, Click 2 Houston, Sports Planning Guide (2025)
The Ticket Lottery System: How to Register
Here's what most guides won't tell you: the lottery isn't completely random in practice. While FIFA's selection algorithm is random, your application strategy dramatically affects success rates.
Step-by-Step Registration (Phase 3)
- 1Create a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets if you haven't already
- 2Enable 3D Secure on your credit card—FIFA requires this authentication layer for purchases
- 3Select your matches—you can apply for multiple games (up to 40 tickets total)
- 4Choose ticket categories (Categories 1–4 or Supporter Entry Tier)
- 5Submit application—you're only charged if selected
Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Odds
Based on analysis of past World Cups and UEFA tournaments, here's what actually works:
1. Apply for Multiple Matches
The more matches you apply for, the higher your statistical probability. UEFA Euro 2020 data showed fans who applied for 5+ matches had 3.2x better odds of receiving tickets than single-match applicants.
Pro tip: Don't just apply for marquee matches (USA vs. England). Add 2–3 "less sexy" group stage games (e.g., Japan vs. New Zealand) to your application. Demand is lower, allocation rates are higher.
2. Prioritize Venue Over Team
If you're planning travel, venue-specific tickets give you certainty for booking flights and hotels. Team-specific tickets require waiting until the draw to know where you're actually going.
Example: "June 15, 2026 — Group C Match at MetLife Stadium" lets you book NYC accommodations immediately. "Follow Brazil" means you won't know cities until matchups are confirmed.
3. Join Official Supporter Groups
FIFA gives priority allocation to members of official national team supporter clubs (approximately 8–12% of each match's tickets reserved per team).
For U.S. matches, join U.S. Soccer Circle Insiders immediately—longevity and tier level affect your position in weighted lotteries.
4. Be Flexible on Categories
Category 1 tickets (closest to the pitch) have the lowest allocation rates. Applying for Category 2 or 3 significantly improves odds while still providing excellent views in modern stadiums.
Ticket Categories & Pricing
FIFA's 2026 pricing is the highest in World Cup history, with new dynamic pricing by venue and opponent strength. Prices range from $60 (new Supporter Entry Tier) to $6,730 for premium hospitality.
| Category | Group Stage | Round of 16 | Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Category 1 Sideline, lower bowl | $410–$620 | $1,205 | $1,785 | $2,380 | $2,780 |
Category 2 Upper sideline, mid-level | $310–$465 | $905 | $1,340 | $1,785 | $2,085 |
Category 3 Upper corners/behind goals | $140–$215 | $410 | $605 | $805 | $950 |
Category 4 Upper corner sections | $60–$105 | $280 | $415 | $550 | $515 |
Supporter Entry TierNEW Added December 2025 | $60 | $60 | $60 | $60 | $60 |
Note: Prices shown are for U.S. venues. Mexican venues may have slightly different pricing (typically 10-15% lower).
Sources: CUA Tower, FIFA World Cup News, The World Cup Guide (December 2025)
Additional Costs to Budget For
Supporter Entry Tier (NEW — Added December 2025)
FIFA introduced this $60 fixed-price tier after fan backlash over affordability. Available for ALL matches including the final. However, this tier is NOT part of the general public lottery—you must apply through your national federation's system (details TBA).
Hospitality Packages (VIP Experience)
If you want premium experiences with guaranteed tickets, FIFA's official hospitality partner (On Location) offers packages starting at $6,660–$9,950 per person for "Follow Your Team" bundles.
What's Included
Typically Category 1 (best views)
Open bar & gourmet meals
Limited edition World Cup items
No lottery—book and you're in
Reality Check: The Real Costs
A 4-game group stage package for top teams (England, Germany, Spain) costs $28,000–$40,000 per person.
Single knockout match suites exceed $15,000.
Group stage packages require 4 matches minimum—you can't buy hospitality for just one match.
Source: Reddit hospitality package purchasers, On Location official pricing (December 2025)
Ticket Types: Venue-Specific vs Team-Specific
Venue-Specific Tickets
- Lock in travel logistics immediately
- Know exact date, time, and location
- Best for planning multi-city trips
- Can't follow your favorite team
- May watch teams you don't care about
Best for: Travelers planning accommodations and flights early; fans who just want to experience the atmosphere; neutrals exploring multiple cities
Team-Specific Tickets (Follow Your Team)
- Follow your team through multiple rounds
- Build multi-city adventure
- Emotional investment in every match
- Don't control venue locations until matchups confirmed
- Travel logistics unpredictable
- No refunds if you can't make a city
Best for: Die-hard fans with flexible schedules and budgets; supporters following their national team through the tournament
Conditional Tickets: The Hidden Risks
Conditional tickets let you purchase knockout round seats before they sell out, but only charge you if your team advances. Sounds perfect—until you face FIFA's refund reality.
What You Get
Tickets to future rounds (Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, final) if your team qualifies. You reserve tickets now, but only pay if your team advances to that round.
✓ Advantages
- Secure knockout tickets before they sell out in general sale
- Lower upfront cost—only charged if team advances
- Follow your team's tournament journey without multiple lottery attempts
⚠ Disadvantages
- Refunds take 30+ days if your team is eliminated
- FIFA retains a processing fee even if you get refunded
- Refund processing is notoriously slow—2022 Qatar ticket holders waited 3–6 months
Reality Check: The Money Float Problem
If you buy USA quarterfinal tickets ($1,340 Category 2) and semifinals tickets ($1,785), then the U.S. gets eliminated in Round of 16, you're sitting on $3,125+ in pending refunds for months while FIFA processes claims.
Source: 2022 World Cup ticket holders on Reddit reported 3–6 month wait times for conditional ticket refunds, with some waiting until March 2023 for November 2022 eliminations.
Best for: Optimistic fans with financial liquidity to float thousands of dollars for 3–6 months. Not recommended if you need immediate refunds for flight cancellations or hotel rebookings.
Sources: FIFA Customer Support documentation, Reddit user experiences from 2022 Qatar World Cup (verified accounts)
Resale & Secondary Market: Legal Options vs Scams
The ONLY Legal Resale Option
FIFA operates the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace at FIFA.com/tickets (launched October 2, 2025). Sellers can list tickets at original purchase price only (no markup allowed). FIFA facilitates transfer and sellers are refunded after successful sale.
Important: No guarantee your tickets will sell. If demand for your match is low, listings can sit for weeks.
How Scammers Are Already Operating
Here's what most sites won't tell you: Scammers are selling "tickets" right now, months before FIFA even delivers real mobile tickets to verified buyers.
- Create fake listings on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or third-party sites
- Use terms like "World Cup 26: Group Stage" to appear legitimate
- Prices are "too good to be true" (e.g., $200 for Category 1 tickets normally $620)
- Demand payment via Venmo, Zelle, crypto, or wire transfer (no buyer protection)
- You never receive tickets (because they never existed)
- Listings before FIFA announces a sale phase
- Sellers refusing traceable payment methods
- URLs mimicking FIFA.com (e.g., "fifa-tickets2026.com")
- "Guaranteed tickets" from non-FIFA sources
- Prices significantly below FIFA's published tiers
- Denied stadium entry (mobile tickets are name-registered)
- No legal recourse in most jurisdictions
- Potential arrest for possessing counterfeit tickets in some states/countries
Priority Visa Access for Ticket Holders: FIFA PASS
One of the biggest hidden benefits of securing tickets early is expedited U.S. visa processing through the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS).
Program Details
All ticket holders traveling to U.S. matches
Early 2026 (specific date TBA)
- • Priority visa interview appointments ahead of regular applicants
- • Streamlined scheduling through FIFA PASS portal
- • Coordination with U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security
- • Email instructions sent to all ticket holders in early 2026
Announced at: White House announcement, November 2025, part of the U.S. government's initiative to facilitate travel for the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
Important Clarifications
You do NOT need a ticket to apply for a visa (anyone can apply independently)
Having a visa does NOT guarantee ticket allocation (lottery is separate)
Priority appointments do NOT guarantee visa approval (standard eligibility requirements still apply)
Who benefits most from FIFA PASS?
Fans from countries with lengthy U.S. visa wait times. Brazil, India, and Colombia often face 6–12 month backlogs. FIFA PASS could be the difference between attending and missing the tournament.
For comprehensive visa planning, visit our USA Visa Guide for World Cup 2026 Travelers.
What Happens If You Don't Get Tickets?
Didn't win the lottery? Don't cancel your trip yet. There are legitimate alternatives to experience the 2026 World Cup atmosphere without match tickets.
Official FIFA Fan Zones
1. Liberty State Park, New Jersey
FREE ADMISSIONJune 11–July 19, 2026 (all 104 matches)
Across from Lower Manhattan with Statue of Liberty views
Tens of thousands
Giant screens, live music, food vendors, FIFA merchandise
Pro tip: Arrive 2-3 hours early for knockout rounds. Free doesn't mean unlimited capacity—popular matches reach max occupancy.
2. USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Queens
TICKETED PREMIUMFeatures: VIP experiences, interactive exhibits, official watch parties with premium food/beverage packages
Admission: Paid (pricing TBA as of December 2025)
Bryant Park, Hudson Yards, and Domino Park are likely to host official watch parties based on city planning documents. Check NYC City Guide for updates.
Local Watch Parties & Sports Bars
NYC alone has 240+ sports bars planning World Cup programming. Expect similar density in all 16 host cities.
Pro tip: Book tables at popular venues weeks in advance for knockout rounds. Bars in host cities during match days will have 3–4 hour wait times.
Check our City Guides for curated sports bar recommendations in each host city.
Ticket Delivery & Entry Requirements
How You'll Receive Tickets
- Mobile tickets only via official FIFA tournament app
- Timing: A few weeks before your match (exact date TBA)
- Format: Dynamic QR code that refreshes every 30 seconds
Stadium Entry Requirements
- Mobile device with charged battery
- Active internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
- Government-issued ID matching ticketing account name
What won't work
- • Screenshots of tickets (stadium scanners detect this)
- • Forwarded ticket images
- • Printed PDFs
- • Sharing login credentials with friends
Accessibility Tickets: What You Need to Know (And FIFA's Controversy)
FIFA offers accessible seating options for fans with disabilities, but a recent pricing controversy has advocacy groups calling for reform.
Ticket Categories for Fans with Disabilities
Wheelchair User Seats
Stay in personal wheelchair with dedicated viewing area
Companion Seats
Folding chairs next to wheelchair positions for caregivers
Easy Access Standard
Nearby seating with minimal stairs and accessible routes
How to buy: Available at FIFA.com/tickets using accessibility filters during registration. Select "Accessible Seating" option and specify requirements.
Ticket Purchase Process
How to buy: Available at FIFA.com/tickets using accessibility filters during registration.
- 1.Select "Accessible Seating" option during ticket application
- 2.Specify requirements (wheelchair space, companion seat, easy access)
- 3.Provide documentation if requested (medical certificate may be required)
- 4.Complete lottery registration process as normal
Potential Discounts (To Be Confirmed)
Youth discount: Fans under 18 may qualify for reduced pricing in certain categories (pending FIFA confirmation)
Senior discount: Attendees 60+ may qualify for discounted tickets (check FIFA eligibility when sales open)
Note: Discount programs will be announced by FIFA closer to ticket sales. Check our Budget Planning Guide for updates.
The Pricing Controversy
Category 4 Excluded from Accessible Seating
FIFA has restricted accessibility tickets to Categories 1–3 only(excluding the cheapest Category 4) for national team allocations. This means:
This is a departure from past tournaments, where accessible seating was typically priced at the lowest category or offered at discounted rates to offset additional accessibility barriers.
What Advocacy Groups Are Demanding
Fans Europe and disability rights organizations are calling for FIFA to:
Reduce accessible ticket prices to match Category 4 pricing ($60–$105 for group stage)
Cap accessible tickets at the lowest available category pricing for each match
Provide discounts reflecting additional barriers and costs faced by fans with disabilities (travel accommodations, medical equipment, personal assistants)
Source: Fans Europe official statement, December 2025. FIFA has not responded to these requests as of publication date.
Pro Tips: What Seasoned World Cup Attendees Actually Do
Based on insights from fans who've successfully navigated past World Cup lotteries and tournaments, here are the strategies that separate the prepared from the disappointed.
Apply for Multiple Cities
Geographic diversity improves odds. Don't just apply for NYC/LA matches—add Kansas City, Seattle, or Philadelphia to your application.
Enable 3D Secure NOW
FIFA rejects cards without 3D Secure authentication. Contact your bank to enable before application deadline. Don't wait until you're selected.
Check Spam Folders Daily
Set up email alerts for February 2026. FIFA lottery results often end up in spam. Missing your notification = missing your chance.
Download FIFA App Early
Test your login credentials weeks before matches. Avoid scrambling at the gate with app download issues or forgotten passwords.
Buy Travel Insurance
Get "cancel for any reason" coverage. If you don't get tickets, you'll need to cancel flights/hotels. Standard policies don't cover lottery losses.
Join Supporter Clubs NOW
Longevity matters for weighted lotteries. Join U.S. Soccer Circle Insiders or your national federation immediately.
Secure Your Mobile Device
Losing your phone = losing your tickets. Back up FIFA account credentials. Enable biometric locks. Consider a dedicated travel phone.
Plan for Slow Refunds
Conditional ticket refunds take 3–6 months. Don't rely on quick refunds if your team is eliminated. Budget accordingly.
Monitor Phase 4 Dates
Set calendar reminders for first-come-first-served sales announcements. Follow FIFA.com/tickets on social media.
Check Stadium Bag Policies
Some venues ban backpacks. Check our Stadium Pages for venue-specific rules before match day.
Veteran insight: Fans who followed 3+ of these tips reported significantly higher satisfaction rates and fewer last-minute complications based on post-2022 World Cup surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens Next: Your Action Plan
If You Haven't Applied for Phase 3 Yet
Visit FIFA.com/tickets immediately. Lottery closes in days.
Mix marquee games (USA vs. England) with "less sexy" matches (Japan vs. New Zealand) for better odds
Better allocation rates than Category 1, still excellent views in modern stadiums
If You've Already Applied
Check spam folders daily. FIFA lottery results often get filtered incorrectly.
Sufficient funds + 3D Secure enabled. Winners are automatically charged.
Phase 4 sales, FIFA resale marketplace, official fan zones. Don't put all eggs in one basket.
For Travel Planning
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