Kansas City, Missouri – Starting next week, tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will become available.
Here’s what you need to know:
Phase 1
The ticket sales will begin with a draw for the Visa Presale.
This entry period opens at 11 AM EDT on Wednesday, September 10, and closes at 11 AM on Friday, September 19. Fans must register and create a FIFA ID if they haven’t already done so.
Eligible Visa cardholders can enter the draw using their FIFA ID during this window.
“We’re excited to kick off the first phase of ticket sales just 10 months before World Cup 26 starts,” said Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer for the event. “It’s a significant milestone as we prepare for this historic occasion. We can’t wait to see millions of fans in North America next June.”
For more details on the Visa Presale Draw, visit their website. Note that participants must be over 18 to enter, and there’s no need to make a purchase to enter or win.
Successful applicants will receive an email notification by September 29, including a time slot for ticket purchases starting on October 1. However, securing a time slot doesn’t guarantee ticket availability. Fans will have access to single match tickets for all 104 matches, as well as venue- and team-specific tickets.
Initially, fans can buy group stage tickets starting at $60, making the event more accessible, but prices for the best seats can go up to $6,730 for the final match.
“I guess for the group stage, around $250 seems fair,” shared Travis Bloom, a fan looking to buy tickets. “I mean, it’s quite a bit. They have to cover a lot of costs. But if it turns out to be a great experience, then it’s definitely worth the effort.”
Given the expected demand, tickets will be released in stages, starting with this Visa Presale phase. Fans who don’t qualify for this phase or who miss out will have other opportunities to purchase tickets in later sales.
Additional sales phases will commence in October and continue until the final match on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Phase 2
The Early Ticket Draw will run from October 27 to October 31, leading to purchase slots from mid-November to early December.
This phase will have applications similar to the first, followed by a random selection process. Successful applicants will receive a designated time to purchase their tickets.
Phase 3
A “Random Selection Draw” will open right after the final draw for the World Cup, allowing fans to apply for specific match tickets once the matchups for group stage are clarified.
“You just have to apply and hope for the best! It’s crucial to see what teams are involved,” said a fan thinking about submitting an application.
As the tournament date approaches, remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ticket purchasing process may vary by phase, payment options, and ticket types. Additional products like “Supporter Tickets” for fans wanting to sit with fellow supporters, and “Conditional Supporter Tickets” for potential knockout match-ups, will also be available as the tournament nears.
“I’m keen to see how the teams perform. It’s all about getting the right matches,” remarked a fan reflecting on the matchups.
Those enrolled in American Airlines’ loyalty program will benefit from additional perks to help secure tickets for next summer’s games.
Through special partnerships, members can use their accumulated miles for ticket redemption.
“Members can save dates, utilize miles, and get priority access for the biggest soccer event,” the airline stated in a recent announcement.
The redemption date will vary based on the member’s program status.
Additionally, FIFA is launching an official resale platform later this year to support qualified ticket holders. This platform aims to protect fans from invalid or unapproved resales.
Fans can already purchase hospitality packages that include match tickets. FIFA encourages everyone to buy tickets exclusively through their official website to avoid any issues with unofficial sales channels.
