Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, officially went on sale Wednesday. The opening sales window is limited to fans who were selected through a lottery system last month. FIFA said 4.5 million people had applied, and lottery winners are being notified by email to secure their seats.
The tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams across 104 matches in 16 North American cities. While only 18 teams, including hosts U.S., Canada and Mexico, have qualified so far, the ticket demand has been strong. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the number of applicants as a “strong statement,” adding, “The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever.”
Ticket prices and access options
Tickets are being sold in four categories, with prices starting at $60 for group-stage games and going up to $6,730 for the final. This edition will also use dynamic pricing, which could change rates depending on demand.
Beyond direct purchase, fans have alternative options: American Airlines will allow loyalty program members to redeem miles for tickets from October 13, while Verizon will offer free tickets and perks to its customers through its app. Former England captain David Beckham, supporting the promotion, said, “For me, there are few things as exciting as experiencing football live.”
Interest in tickets has come from 216 countries and territories. After the host nations, the highest demand has been from Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Italy. FIFA has not disclosed how many tickets will be released in this phase, but overall capacity is expected to exceed 7 million seats across all venues.
Concerns over visas and security
The US is facing scrutiny over visa rules and immigration policies, which may affect international attendance. Tourism officials have already reported a decline in overseas visitors, and some host cities have raised concerns about political dynamics. President Donald Trump has suggested matches could be moved away from cities deemed unsafe, saying, “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup … we won’t allow it to go there.”
The US State Department has urged fans requiring visas to apply early, stressing that safety of athletes, fans and venues is a top priority.
A second sales phase, called the early ticket draw, is scheduled for late October, with a third phase following the final team draw on December 5. FIFA will also run a resale platform and first-come, first-served ticket sales closer to the event.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America.
(With inputs from AP)
The tournament will be the first to feature 48 teams across 104 matches in 16 North American cities. While only 18 teams, including hosts U.S., Canada and Mexico, have qualified so far, the ticket demand has been strong. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the number of applicants as a “strong statement,” adding, “The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever.”
Ticket prices and access options
Tickets are being sold in four categories, with prices starting at $60 for group-stage games and going up to $6,730 for the final. This edition will also use dynamic pricing, which could change rates depending on demand.
Beyond direct purchase, fans have alternative options: American Airlines will allow loyalty program members to redeem miles for tickets from October 13, while Verizon will offer free tickets and perks to its customers through its app. Former England captain David Beckham, supporting the promotion, said, “For me, there are few things as exciting as experiencing football live.”
Interest in tickets has come from 216 countries and territories. After the host nations, the highest demand has been from Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain and Italy. FIFA has not disclosed how many tickets will be released in this phase, but overall capacity is expected to exceed 7 million seats across all venues.
Concerns over visas and security
The US is facing scrutiny over visa rules and immigration policies, which may affect international attendance. Tourism officials have already reported a decline in overseas visitors, and some host cities have raised concerns about political dynamics. President Donald Trump has suggested matches could be moved away from cities deemed unsafe, saying, “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup … we won’t allow it to go there.”
The US State Department has urged fans requiring visas to apply early, stressing that safety of athletes, fans and venues is a top priority.
A second sales phase, called the early ticket draw, is scheduled for late October, with a third phase following the final team draw on December 5. FIFA will also run a resale platform and first-come, first-served ticket sales closer to the event.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America.
(With inputs from AP)
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