With less than a year left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, starting on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, details about the ticket purchasing process have emerged. This tournament, held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marks the first time that 48 teams will compete, an increase from the previous 32. This change will introduce a new knockout phase of 32 teams after the group stage, prior to the round of 16.
While not all qualifiers are determined yet, more teams are securing their spots with each international window leading up to the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C.. Ahead of this, the ticketing program will start on September 10, offering fans a chance to enter a lottery for tickets to this high-demand event.
How does the ticketing system function?
Fans can express interest now by visiting FIFA’s website and creating a FIFA ID, a necessity for ticket purchases. On September 10 at 11 a.m. ET, the entry period for the presale lottery will open, extending until September 19. This presale is only available to Visa cardholders.
After the entry period, a draw will occur, with notifications sent to selected participants, granting them a chance to buy tickets if chosen. Successful applicants will receive an email detailing the date and time they can purchase tickets, which will be subject to availability. Ticket prices will start at $60 for group stage matches and can go up to $6,730 for premium World Cup final seats.
Key Phases of Ticket Sales:
- Phase 2: An early ticket draw for which registration will be open from October 27-31.
- Phase 3: A random selection draw after the December 5 group stage draw, allowing fans to purchase tickets once team placements are known.
Towards the tournament’s commencement, those who missed out on the presale or wish to buy more tickets will have options available, including a FIFA official resale platform to prevent unauthorized reselling.
Hospitality packages are currently for sale and include:
- Single match offerings: Starting at $1,350 per person for one chosen group stage match (excluding host nations) and one round of 32 match with hospitality options.
- Venue series: Starting at $8,275, providing access to all matches at a selected venue (4-9 matches) along with hospitality options.
- Follow my team: Starting at $6,750, allowing fans to trace their team through all group stage matches and one round of 32 match.
Key Dates:
- Sept. 2025: CONMEBOL qualifying concludes.
- Nov. 2025: CAF, AFC, UEFA, and Concacaf qualifying conclude.
- Dec. 2025: World Cup draw.
- March 2026: World Cup and UEFA qualifying playoffs.
- March 3, 2026: 100 days to the tournament.
- April 22, 2026: 50 days to go.
- May 11, 2026: One month remaining.
Host Cities and Stadiums
- East Region: Toronto (BMO Field), Boston (Gillette Stadium), Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field), Miami (Hard Rock Stadium), New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium).
- Central Region: Dallas (AT&T Stadium), Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium), Houston (NRG Stadium), Monterrey (Estadio BBVA), Mexico City (Estadio Azteca).
- West Region: Vancouver (BC Place), Seattle (Lumen Field), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), San Francisco (Levi’s Stadium), Guadalajara (Estadio Akron).
Matches for Host Nations
USMNT: Group D Matches
- June 12: Los Angeles
- June 19: Seattle
- June 25: Los Angeles
Mexico: Group A Matches
- June 11: Mexico City
- June 18: Mexico City
- June 24: Guadalajara
Canada: Group B Matches
- June 12: Toronto
- June 18: Vancouver
- June 24: Vancouver
Knockout Stage Schedule
- June 28 - July 3: Round of 32
- July 4-7: Round of 16
- July 9-11: Quarterfinals
- July 14-15: Semifinals
- July 18: Third-place match
- July 19: Final.
