Ticket Sales: Everything You Need to Know

How to buy, when to buy, and what it'll cost — the complete 2026 World Cup ticket guide.

Preeti Gunjan 4 min readTicketing
Ticket Sales: Everything You Need to Know

Getting tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is a process that requires planning, patience, and a keen eye on official channels. Here is a definitive guide to the various phases, prices, and how you can secure your place in history. Be sure to check the official match schedule and host cities guide to plan your trip.

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* Prices from $200 on secondary markets. Official face-value tickets subject to availability.

How the Sales Process Works

Supporters have many opportunities to purchase World Cup 2026 tickets via the FIFA website between now and the big kick-off. The various sales phases differ in terms of purchasing processes and ticket products:

1. Visa Presale Draw

This was considered the first opportunity to purchase World Cup 2026 tickets and ran from September 10-19. It was exclusively open to fans with qualifying Visa cards.

2. Early Ticket Draw

The entry period for the second phase took place between October 27-31. Like the first phase, it involved an application process followed by a randomized selection. Successful applicants received a designated time slot to purchase tickets. A prioritized slot was provided for residents of the three host nations (USA, Canada, and Mexico).

3. Random Selection Draw

Following the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw on December 5, the next phase of ticket sales commences. During this phase, fans can submit applications for specific matches now that the group-stage matchups have been revealed.

4. Last-Minute Sales Phase

Closer to the tournament (Spring 2026), fans will be able to purchase any remaining tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. FIFA hasn’t specified how many tickets will be released, but you can expect limited availability and extremely quick sellouts. You must use the official FIFA ticketing portal for these.


How Much Do Tickets Cost?

There's a massive range you must be prepared for when purchasing. FIFA previously announced that, with dynamic pricing in place, tickets can start as low as $60 for early group-stage matches, but may rise to as high as $6,730 for the Final.

Ticket prices typically vary across four seating categories:

  • Category 1: The most expensive, located in the lower seating tier (prime views).
  • Category 2: Spans both upper and lower tiers, slightly outside the best Category 1 areas.
  • Category 3: Mainly in the upper tier, behind the goals or corners.
  • Category 4: The most affordable, located in the highest upper tiers.

Resale & Secondary Markets

FIFA Official Resale Marketplace

If you are looking for an official and secure way to resell or exchange your tickets, the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace is the only official channel for doing so. Availability here can be very limited, and tickets may appear sporadically, often closer to matchdays.

Third-Party Resellers

For those who miss out on FIFA's official windows or need tickets for specific high-demand games, secondary ticketing websites like StubHub or Ticombo are the main alternatives. These platforms offer more flexibility but generally come at significantly higher prices due to demand-driven resale markets.

Caution: When considering third-party marketplaces, always proceed carefully and rely only on reputable platforms with strong buyer guarantees and clear refund policies.


Tips to Improve Your Chances

  • Act fast during draws: Have your FIFA ID and payment details ready well in advance.
  • Be flexible: Applying for multiple matches across different host cities increases your odds. Also review our fan travel guide for tips on moving between venues.
  • Check the Resale Hub frequently: Official resale tickets can pop up at any time.