2026 World Cup Tickets

How to Get World Cup 2026 Tickets

The official FIFA ticketing portal at fifa.com is the primary channel for purchasing World Cup tickets. FIFA sells tickets in multiple phases — some through a random selection draw (you apply and are selected or not), others on a first-come-first-served basis during open sales windows.

Each sales phase has its own purchase limits (the maximum number of tickets one person can buy), priority rules, and available matches. As of May 2026, some matches still have availability through the official portal. FIFA may release additional tickets closer to the tournament start date of June 11.

Important: FIFA does not sell World Cup tickets through Ticketmaster, StubHub, or other third-party platforms. Any tickets found on those platforms are resale listings from other individuals, not official FIFA inventory.

Ticket Price Categories

FIFA uses a tiered pricing system with multiple categories per match:

• Category 1 — Best seats and sight lines, highest price. Typically located at midfield, lower level.
• Category 2 — Good seats behind the goals or upper midfield. Moderate price.
• Category 3 — Upper level, corner sections. Lower price with more limited views.
• Category 4 — Limited view or restricted access seats at the lowest price point. Not available for all matches.

Prices vary significantly by match round. Group stage matches are the most affordable; Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches cost more; and semifinal and final tickets are the most expensive. FIFA publishes exact pricing by category and round on their ticketing portal.

FIFA has also offered limited quantities of lower-priced conditional access tickets for select matches, designed to make the tournament accessible to fans who might not otherwise be able to attend. These sell out quickly during the sales phases in which they are available.

Can You Resell World Cup 2026 Tickets?

Official FIFA resale: FIFA operates a ticket resale platform that allows ticket holders to list tickets they can no longer use. Tickets on the official resale platform are sold at face value or below — no markup is permitted.

Secondary market: Platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Viagogo list World Cup tickets from individual resellers. Prices on these platforms fluctuate based on demand and can be significantly higher than face value. FIFA has stated that tickets purchased through unauthorized resale channels may not guarantee entry to the stadium.

Risk factors: Counterfeit tickets exist on the secondary market. FIFA uses electronic ticketing with identity verification for some sales phases, making unauthorized transfers more difficult. If you purchase from a secondary platform, understand that entry is not guaranteed by FIFA.

How to Sit Together at the World Cup

To ensure your group sits together, purchase all tickets in a single transaction through the FIFA ticketing portal. The system automatically assigns adjacent seats when multiple tickets are purchased together.

If group members purchased tickets separately or through different sales phases, adjacent seating is not guaranteed. FIFA does not offer a seat reassignment service for individually purchased tickets. Some fans coordinate by selecting the same section and category, but this does not guarantee adjacent seats.

For large groups (10+), consider applying during the same sales phase and designating one person to purchase all tickets in a single order. FIFA's per-person purchase limits apply per match, so check the terms for each sales phase to confirm whether your group size is within the limit.

What to Expect at the Stadium

World Cup match day operations are managed by FIFA, not the individual stadium operators. This means the experience may differ from concerts or domestic sports events you've attended at the same venue.

• Gates open early. Stadium gates typically open 2-3 hours before kickoff. Arriving early is strongly recommended — security screening for World Cup matches is more thorough than domestic events.
• Electronic tickets. FIFA uses mobile ticketing for most sales phases. Have your FIFA ticketing app loaded and your ticket QR code ready before you arrive. Screenshots may not be accepted at some venues.
• ID verification. Some ticket categories require matching government-issued photo ID at the gate. The name on your ticket must match the name on your ID. This is one reason unauthorized resale tickets may not guarantee entry.
• Bag restrictions. FIFA enforces strict bag policies at World Cup venues. Typically only small clear bags or clutch-sized purses are permitted. Check FIFA's event-day guidelines closer to the tournament for specific dimensions.
• Fan zones.Every host city operates FIFA Fan Zones with large screens, food, and entertainment — free to enter, no ticket required. If you don't have match tickets, fan zones are the best way to experience the World Cup atmosphere.

Planning Your World Cup Trip

The 2026 World Cup spans 39 days across three countries. If you're attending multiple matches, plan your travel between cities carefully — distances between US venues can be substantial (New York to Dallas is 2,200 km / 1,400 miles).

Visa requirements: Visitors from many countries need a valid US visa or an approved ESTA (for Visa Waiver Program countries) to attend matches in the United States. Canada and Mexico have their own entry requirements. Check your country's specific visa situation well in advance — processing times during major events can be longer than usual.

Flights and accommodation: Prices for flights and hotels in host cities are expected to peak around match days. Booking as early as possible is recommended. Some fans choose to stay in nearby cities with lower hotel rates and commute to the venue on match day.

Getting to the stadium: Transportation varies significantly by venue. MetLife Stadium (NJ) has direct rail service from New York Penn Station. SoFi Stadium (LA) relies on a shuttle system. Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) is accessible via the Metro. Check our host city guides for venue-specific transportation details.

Where to Stay During the World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is hosted across 16 cities in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Hotel demand during the tournament is high, and prices in host cities typically increase significantly around match days. Booking accommodation early is recommended.

Each host city has different transportation options for reaching the stadium. Some venues (like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey) have direct rail connections from the city center; others may require driving or shuttle services. Check our individual city guides for transportation details, weather expectations, and nearby accommodations.

Key Dates and Venues

Dates are based on the published FIFA match schedule. Check the 48-team format guide for details on how the new knockout structure works.