Introduction to the Ticket Sale Process for the 2026 World Cup
A new phase of the ticket sale process for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, began on December 11. Fans must first register for a lottery by January 13, 2026, according to FIFA.
FIFA’s Response to Fan Complaints
In response to fan outrage over “astronomical” ticket prices, FIFA pledged to offer $60 tickets for the lowest category, including the final, for officially registered fans affiliated with football federations. However, many spectators will still face high costs.
- Minimum cost for the opening match (Mexico vs. Sudáfrica) is over $1,000.
- Final match tickets range from $4,000 to $8,680 for the best seats in the lowest-priced categories.
“Random Selection Process”
The lottery, known as the “random selection process” according to FIFA terms, is the third phase of ticket sales organized by the federation. Previous phases included:
- A phase reserved for VISA cardholders from September 19 to October 27.
- A global phase open from October 27 to October 31.
The current phase lasts until January 13, 2026. Fans must register for the lottery on FIFA’s website and wait until February 9 to learn if they’ve been selected for ticket purchasing.
As of now, FIFA has received 20 million ticket requests for the current lottery phase.
Supporter Tickets
A portion of the tickets is reserved for “Supporters” (fans) of Participating Associations, designated by FIFA. These are official fan groups from national teams recognized by each country’s football federation.
During this lottery phase, which runs from December 11, 2025, to January 13, 2026, there is also a “Supporter Entry” category offering $60 tickets for all 104 tournament matches, including the final.
Last-Minute Sale Phase
For those who wish to wait or are required to, FIFA will offer a last-minute sale phase based on the “first come, first served” principle.
As a final option, FIFA’s website will also allow for resale or transfer of tickets.
The extent of potential price increases remains unknown, as prices are already elevated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup? It began on December 11, 2025, and requires fans to register for a lottery by January 13, 2026.
- Why did FIFA introduce $60 tickets? In response to fan complaints about high ticket prices.
- What are Supporter Tickets? Reserved for official fan groups of national teams, recognized by their respective countries’ football federations.
- What is the last-minute sale phase? A ticket sales opportunity based on a “first come, first served” principle for those who couldn’t participate in earlier phases.
- Can I still buy tickets if I miss the lottery or other phases? Yes, through the last-minute sale phase and potential resale options on FIFA’s website.
