FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets: second sales phase opens—dates, prices, limits and how to apply

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets

The race for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is heating up again. A fresh “Early Ticket Draw” window opened today, giving fans another chance to enter for seats at any of the 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. Interest is sky-high and the process is structured to balance access with demand, so understanding the rules—and the new pricing model—is essential.

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets: key dates and how this phase works

The current window is a registration-based draw, not a first-come sale. You submit an entry, and if selected, you’ll receive a purchase timeslot later.

Entry window: Monday, October 27 at 11:00 a.m. ET through Friday, October 31 at 11:00 a.m. ET
What you can request: Tickets for any match (group stage through final), across all 16 host cities
How allocation works: Entries go into a randomized selection. Selection gives a purchase window, but specific matches/sections depend on live availability when your timeslot opens.

Expect additional phases in the coming weeks, including another randomized draw following the tournament’s final draw in early December, and limited first-come sales closer to kickoff. Hospitality (premium, ticket-inclusive packages) continues to be available separately.

FIFA World Cup tickets: prices and the new dynamic model

FIFA introduced dynamic pricing for 2026. That means listed prices can adjust based on demand, venue and seat category. The headline ranges disclosed so far:

Group stage: starting around $60 (lowest category) with higher tiers scaling significantly by seat and city
Knockouts and marquee games: progressively higher than group play
Final (East Rutherford, NJ): premium seats can reach about $6,700+

Because prices can move, two fans viewing the same match at different times may see different numbers. Entering draw phases early maximizes your odds of encountering lower price points for popular fixtures.

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket limits, categories and seat maps

Ticketing rules are designed to spread access:

Per match cap: up to 4 tickets per household
Tournament cap: up to 40 tickets total per household
Categories: 1–4, with Category 1 generally the most premium bowl seating and Categories 3–4 higher or more distant vantage points. Not all categories are available in every stadium or for every match.

Seat maps and categories are standardized for transparency, but inventory by category varies widely by venue.

How to enter the Early Ticket Draw (step-by-step)

Create/verify your FIFA ticketing account. Ensure your profile details (name, birthdate, address) match your government ID.
Add a valid payment method. Different phases can have specific payment rules—keep at least one major card ready and ensure 2FA/limits won’t block a large charge.
Choose matches and quantities. Prioritize must-haves (home base city, team preferences) and add alternates in less in-demand venues to improve chances.
Submit before the deadline. Edits usually lock at the window close; you can’t tweak preferences after.
Watch for selection emails. If selected, you’ll receive a defined time slot; log in early and move quickly once your window opens.

FIFA World Cup 2026: availability outlook and strategy

Hot tickets: Opening matches in each host nation, knockout rounds, and the final will see the stiffest competition. Large NFL-sized venues add capacity but not enough to neutralize demand.
City effects: Some markets have higher baseline prices and steeper dynamic moves; flexibility on city or kick time often pays off.
Category mix: Lower categories (cheapest) are limited. If budget is firm, include multiple matches/cities to diversify your chances at that price band.
Travel planning: Don’t fully prepay nonrefundable travel before you actually secure tickets. Schedules are set, but seat access may not align with your ideal itinerary.

Authentic FIFA World Cup tickets only: avoid scams

Purchase only through the official FIFA ticketing portal or the official hospitality channel.
Do not buy PDFs, screenshots or QR codes from third parties—tickets are account-bound and subject to cancellation for unauthorized resale.
An official resale marketplace is planned; anything outside the official ecosystem risks invalidation at the turnstile.

What’s next for World Cup tickets

This week’s Early Ticket Draw won’t be the last opportunity. A larger randomized draw is slated after the group-stage draw sets the bracket, followed by limited first-come windows nearer to the tournament. Fans who plan, stay flexible on cities/categories, and use only official channels will have the best shot at fair pricing and valid seats.

The entry window now through October 31 at 11:00 a.m. ET is your immediate chance to get into the system for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets. Register, diversify your picks, and be ready to act fast when your purchase window opens.