How to Buy Tickets for FIFA World Cup 2026 — The Complete 2025–2026 Guide (USA, Mexico, Canada)

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING TICKETS FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 (OFFICIAL, SAFE & UPDATED FOR 2025)

The FIFA World Cup returns to North America in 2026 — the biggest World Cup ever held, with:

• 104 matches
  

• 48 teams
  

• 16 host cities
  

• USA, Mexico & Canada as joint hosts
  

Demand is extremely high, and buying tickets can be confusing if you're not familiar with how FIFA phases work.
This guide breaks down the official ticket process, timelines, prices, hospitality packages, and how to avoid scams.

This is the most complete ticket guide available online, updated for 2025–2026.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How FIFA World Cup Tickets Work
   

2. Official Ticket Release Timeline
   

3. Step-by-Step Buying Process
   

4. How to Use the FIFA Ticketing Portal
   

5. Types of Tickets
   

6. Prices (Estimated Ranges)
   

7. Hospitality Tickets (Best Option for High Demand)
   

8. Following Your Team (Team-Specific Ticket Series)
   

9. Accessibility Tickets
   

10. Child Tickets
    

11. How Resale Works
    

12. How to Avoid Scams
    

13. Travel Tips for Fans
    

14. FAQ
    

15. Soft CTA
    

1. How FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Work

All FIFA 2026 tickets are sold only through FIFA.

There are no other official sellers — not ticketing partners, not stadium websites, not travel companies.

Tickets are released in multiple phases, and not everyone gets a ticket immediately.
FIFA uses a combination of:

• Random draw (lottery)
  

• First-come-first-served windows
  

• Official resale platform
  

• Hospitality packages (guaranteed access)
  

Also Read: Host Cities for FIFA World Cup 2026: Full Guide

2. Official Ticket Timeline (2025–2026)

Here’s the updated expected timeline:

Phase 1 — Random Draw Sales (Lottery)

Starts: Late 2025

• Fans request tickets.
  

• FIFA randomly selects winners.
  

• Winners receive a payment window.
  

This is the fairest phase for high-demand matches.

Phase 2 — First-Come, First-Served (FCFS)

Early 2026

• Tickets released in waves
  

• Limited inventory
  

• Fastest-selling phase
  

Phase 3 — Resale Platform

Spring–Summer 2026

• Fans who can no longer attend can resell tickets
  

• Only through FIFA’s official system
  

Last-Minute Sales Phase

May–July 2026

• Small blocks of seats released
  

• Good for fans already traveling
  

Also Read: All FIFA World Cups 2026 Stadiums

3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy FIFA 2026 Tickets

Here’s the clear, simple process:

Step 1: Create your FIFA Ticketing Account

• Go to FIFA’s official ticket portal
  

• Use your real passport information
  

• Add payment method
  

Step 2: Choose Your Ticket Type

You can select:

• Individual matches
  

• Team-specific tickets
  

• Stadium-specific series
  

• Hospitality packages
  

Step 3: Select Your Matches

You can filter by:

• Host city
  

• Country
  

• Date
  

• Round
  

Step 4: Submit Your Application

(For lottery phase)

• Choose categories (1–4)
  

• FIFA will draw randomly
  

Step 5: Check Your Results

If selected, FIFA sends:

• Email notification
  

• Payment deadline
  

Step 6: Pay for Your Tickets

Most common payment methods accepted:

• Visa
  

• Mastercard
  

• International debit cards
  

Step 7: Add Your Tickets to Mobile Wallet

World Cup 2026 will use digital tickets only.
 No printed tickets.

4. How to Use the FIFA Ticketing Portal

Inside the portal, you’ll be able to:

• Browse matches easily
  

• See stadium maps
  

• Compare seat categories
  

• Apply for lotteries
  

• Pay for confirmed tickets
  

• Manage resale
  

• Assign tickets to guests
  

5. Types of Tickets

FIFA always offers the following categories:

Category 1

• Best seats
  

• Central positions
  

• Most expensive
  

Category 2

• Side seats
  

• Mid-priced
  

Category 3

• Behind the goal
  

• Budget-friendly
  

Category 4 (USA residents only)

• Cheapest tickets
  

• Limited to host nation residents
  

6. Estimated Ticket Prices for 2026 (Not Final)

Based on previous World Cups:

Hospitality packages can go up to $10,000+.

7. Hospitality Tickets (Guaranteed Access)

Hospitality packages are run by Match Hospitality, FIFA’s official partner.

These include:

• Guaranteed match tickets
  

• Premium seating
  

• Lounge access
  

• Meals, drinks
  

• Gifts
  

• Exclusive entrances
  

Ideal for:

• High-demand matches
  

• Corporate groups
  

• Fans who want convenience
  

🇺🇸 8. Team-Specific Ticket Series (Follow Your Team)

These tickets allow you to buy:

• All group matches of your team
  

• Or all matches until they are eliminated
  

Best option for fans traveling from abroad.

9. Accessibility Tickets

FIFA provides four accessibility categories:

• Wheelchair
  

• Easy Access Standard
  

• Easy Access Amenity
  

• Extra-Width Seats
  
  

10. Child Tickets

Children must have a ticket, regardless of age.
No free entry.

11. FIFA Ticket Resale Platform

Fans can resell tickets only through FIFA, not externally.
This prevents fraud.

• Set your price
  

• Tickets are digitally transferred
  

• Seller gets refund after buyer confirmation
  

12. How to Avoid Fake Tickets & Scams

This is crucial for 2026.

DO NOT BUY from:

• Social media
  

• WhatsApp sellers
  

• eBay
  

• StubHub
  

• Viagogo
  

• "Reseller websites"
  

Only FIFA provides real tickets.

13. Travel Tips for Ticket Holders

• Arrive at stadium 2–3 hours early
  

• Keep backup ID (passport)
  

• Use public transit where available
  

• Avoid last-minute resale
  

• Stay close to host-city transit lines
  

• Expect heavy security checks
  

16. FAQ — World Cup 2026 Tickets

1. When do World Cup 2026 tickets go on sale?

Late 2025 for the first lottery phase.

2. Can I buy tickets without entering the lottery?

Yes — in first-come-first-served waves and hospitality.

3. How much are tickets for the final?

Estimated $500–$2,500.

4. Will tickets be digital?

Yes, fully digital with mobile verification.

5. Can I transfer tickets?

Yes — through FIFA’s app only.