Navigating the Ticket Maze: Your Guide to Securing Seats for the 2026 World Cup
As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans are eager to secure their tickets for what promises to be a spectacular tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the ticket sales now underway, navigating the process can feel overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know about acquiring tickets, from lotteries to resale options.
The Ticketing Process
The first lottery for tickets opened in September, and a second phase will begin on October 27. This phase is part of a four-phase rollout designed to distribute tickets fairly among fans. Here’s how you can secure your spot at the tournament:
1. Early Lotteries: The Visa Presale Draw is closing soon, but an Early Ticket Draw will open from October 27 to 31. Anyone can enter, and FIFA will randomly select applicants who will then receive a time slot to purchase tickets.
2. World Cup Draw: Following the draw on December 5, which determines matchups and locations, another lottery phase will take place.
3. Last-Minute Sales: For those who miss earlier lotteries, a final “first-come-first-served” phase will be available in the spring, where remaining tickets will be sold to the general public.
4. Resale Options: FIFA has launched its own resale platform, but popular third-party sites like StubHub are also available. Be prepared for higher prices in the resale market compared to the primary sales.
5. Hospitality Packages: For fans willing to spend more, hospitality packages are on sale, offering premium experiences at a significant cost.
6. Country Allocations: Each participating nation receives a portion of tickets to distribute through their soccer federations, which will have their own processes.
7. Right to Buy Tokens: FIFA has introduced “Right to Buy” tokens on its digital collectibles platform, which allow fans to bypass lotteries for a hefty fee. However, the specifics of these tokens can be confusing, and many feel they offer limited value.
8. Volunteering: If you want to be part of the World Cup without purchasing tickets, consider applying for FIFA’s volunteer program.
Upcoming Lottery Details
The next ticket lottery opens on October 27 at 11 a.m. ET. Fans do not need to rush to apply; entry is open until October 31, and there’s no advantage to applying early.
How the Lotteries Work
FIFA will require millions of fans to create a “FIFA ID” account to enter the lottery. The selection process is random, and a limited number of winners will be notified via email, offering them a time slot to purchase tickets. The first lottery saw over 4.5 million entries, making the odds of winning quite slim.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary significantly, reflecting the match and location. Here are some examples:
– Final (NY/NJ): $6,370 – $2,030
– Semifinal (Dallas): $2,780 – $455
– Group Stage (LA): $620 – $105
Prices are subject to FIFA’s “variable pricing” model, which means they can change based on demand.
Understanding Ticket Categories
Tickets are categorized into several tiers, with Category 1 offering the best seating options. Unlike typical U.S. sports events, fans won’t know their exact seat locations upon purchase.
What to Do If You Don’t Win a Lottery
If you’re not selected in the lottery, don’t lose hope. More lotteries are forthcoming, and resale platforms will likely offer tickets as the tournament approaches.
Choosing Between Resale Platforms
While FIFA’s resale platform provides a secure option, other sites like StubHub may offer lower fees. However, purchasing from unauthorized sites carries risks, as there’s no guarantee of receiving your tickets.
