The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already looking like the biggest sports event in history. It’s certainly the biggest so far: with 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Each Cup attracts millions of fans, and this tournament won’t be any different. For millions of soccer enthusiasts worldwide, getting tickets and witnessing matches in person is the ultimate dream.
However, the whole ticket purchasing process over at FIFA can be a little daunting or even confusing. And if you are a first-time buyer trying to understand the lottery system, it’s definitely a little overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the complexity and provides a direct roadmap to getting World Cup 2026 tickets. We cannot promise you’ll get them because the system is indeed a bit random, but you can at least maximize your chances of getting the tickets.
The current lottery phase deadline is January 13, 2026, at 11 AM ET – so you should act fast. The general sale phase is yet to come in spring.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create and verify your FIFA account, navigate the lottery system easily, understand each sale phase, and explore other options if the official lottery doesn’t work out. We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips for common issues and answer the most frequently asked questions about World Cup ticket purchases.
Before You Start: Requirements Checklist
Before getting into the nitty gritty of the ticket purchase process, it would be smart to ensure you have all necessary items prepared.
If you have everything ready beforehand, you’ll avoid potential delays and frustrations when the sale phases start.
Essential Items You’ll Need
- Valid email address: Use an email address you actively check because you might get important notifications and updates from FIFA (such as lottery results, payment confirmations, ticket availability, etc.)
- Government-issued document: To register, you need a document such as an ID or passport. A passport is better as it’s universally accepted. International buyers may have issues with verification if they use driver’s licenses.
- Payment method: Visa is the best option, both credit and debit cards are accepted. If you want another option, check which methods are available. Please make sure your method supports international transfers if needed.
- FIFA app: Download the official FIFA app on iOS or Android, as all tickets are mobile-only. There is no print-at-home option.
Critical Rules to Understand
Buying a ticket via official FIFA channels means you’ll have strict rules to follow to get the tickets. For example, a person can create only one FIFA ID – necessary for the account – and there’s a limit of 40 tickets per household. Tickets are also non-transferable, so you need to adhere to the rules to get access to your favorite matches this summer.
How to Buy World Cup Tickets
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for buying tickets for the World Cup 2026.
Step 1: Create Your FIFA Account
Your FIFA account is the gateway to all ticket purchases. In other words, you need it to get the tickets.
So it’s important to do this step properly, as any kind of errors can cause significant problems later.
First, visit the FIFA ticket portal at FIFA.com/tickets directly. Once you’re there on the official site, find the button “Create Account” and click to begin registration.
The registration is easy: you need your basic information such as email address, and similar details. Create a failsafe password and verify your account. Now, the details of your account are very important. You need to enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport or government ID. Yes, this means including middle names if they appear on your documents, too. Don’t forget the same capitalization and avoiding nicknames or abbreviations.
Some other details you will need include your date of birth, nationality, phone number with country code, and complete mailing address. And since FIFA requires you to verify your identity, you will be asked to upload a photo or a scan of your document.
Step 2: Learn the Sales Phases
FIFA World Cup tickets are sold in phases, not all at once. There are 5 sale phases in total.
And each phase has different eligibility requirements and availability. Understanding this timeline helps you identify what phase is best for you and how to increase your chances of getting your hands on World Cup tickets.
Phase 1: Visa Presale (Closed)
The first ticket sales phase ran from September 10-19, 2025, exclusively for Visa cardholders. This random selection lottery gave Visa customers early access before the general public. If you participated, results were distributed via email following the application window.
Phase 2: Second Lottery (Closed)
The second lottery phase opened applications from October 27-31, 2025, with successful applicants receiving purchase windows between November 12-17, 2025. This phase included host nation priority allocation, giving residents of the United States, Mexico, and Canada enhanced chances for matches in their respective countries.
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw (Closed)
This is the phase that ran from December 11, 2025, through January 13, 2026, at 11 AM ET. Unlike earlier phases, this lottery was open to all fans worldwide regardless of payment method or residency. Following the tournament draw, you could select specific matches rather than just venue or round preferences. Results will be announced in February 2026, with successful applicants being charged the money for tickets automatically.
Phase 4: Bank of America Presale (Upcoming)
Beginning February 10, 2026, Bank of America cardholders will gain access to a dedicated presale. It’s an exclusive sale window open only for Bank of America clients.
Another thing is that this phase introduces first-come, first-served options rather than pure lottery selection. What that means is speed and preparation become crucial factors. It’s highly recommended to save your Bank of America card details in your FIFA account beforehand if you are a client of the Bank of America.
Phase 5: General Sale (Upcoming)
The final official sales phase opens in Spring 2026 to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis. This is the main part of the sale, which is when most tickets are sold. However, it’s a huge demand so many tickets have already been sold though the previous phases.
For the general sale, expect extremely high demand, website crashes, and virtual queues lasting hours. Preparation is essential. Log into your account early, have multiple devices ready, and ensure your payment information is up to date. This represents your last chance through official FIFA channels. An alternative are marketplaces such as TicketCenter, where you can purchase tickets without this whole hassle.
Step 3: How the Lottery Works
The Random Selection Draw phase is open until January 13, 2026, and is technically soon closing. Still, we’ll take you through the process and teach you exactly how to submit your application for the best possible chances.
Access the Ticket Portal
Log into your verified FIFA account at FIFA.com/tickets. If you haven’t completed identity verification, you’ll be prompted to do so before proceeding. Ensure you’re viewing the correct tournament – FIFA World Cup 2026.
Browse and Filter Matches
The match selection interface allows filtering by date, host city, and participating team. With the group stage draw completed, you can now see exactly which teams play where. Review the available seating categories for each match, as prices and availability vary significantly. Category 1 offers the best views and highest prices, while Category 4 provides the most affordable entry point.
Submit Your Applications
For each match you’re interested in, click “Apply for Tickets” and select your preferences. You can request up to four tickets per match, which must all be in the same category. Choose your preferred seating category based on your budget and viewing preferences.
The Most Important Tip: Accept Category Downgrades
When completing your application, you’ll see a checkbox asking if you’ll accept a downgrade to a lower category if your first choice is unavailable. Check this box – it is the single most important action you can take to increase your chances. If Category 1 sells out but Category 2 remains, applicants who accepted downgrades remain eligible while those who didn’t are eliminated. This effectively doubles or triples your chances of securing tickets.
Before the deadline, review all your applications in your FIFA account dashboard. Confirm your payment method is valid and won’t expire before February 2026. Verify each match selection is accurate. Once submitted, you cannot modify applications, so thoroughness matters.
How the Selection Process Works
After the January 13 deadline, FIFA processes all applications through random selection. This isn’t first-come, first-served, so it doesn’t matter on which day you applied. There’s no advantage for those applying on the first day or those applying on the last day.
Winners receive email notification in February 2026, and credit cards are charged automatically. The system operates on an all-or-nothing basis for each match, though. You either receive all requested tickets or none.
Step 4: If You Win the Lottery
If the results of the draw are positive, congratulations are in order! You will receive a winning notification and your tickets. If you received tickets for matches you don’t want to attend, you can resell or exchange them.
Here’s what happens next and how to prepare for match day.
Automatic Payment
First off, your registered payment method is charged automatically upon the announcement of the results. You don’t have to do anything, as this is automatic. What you can do is check your email for payment confirmation from FIFA and verify the charge appears on your statement. Keep all confirmation emails just in case.
Accessing Your Mobile Tickets
Tickets are delivered exclusively through the FIFA app. So, you have to have the app if you want to access the tickets.
To do that, download the app on your smartphone if you haven’t already, then log in using your FIFA ID credentials. Your tickets will appear in the app approximately two to four weeks before your matches. Please don’t panic if they’re not immediately there – this delay is standard procedure.
Restrictions Regarding Ticket Transfer
Tickets are linked to the name on your FIFA account and cannot be freely transferred. But what happens if you want to sell your ticket? FIFA offers limited options for name changes through their official platform, but these are subject to approval and processing fees. Selling tickets above face value through FIFA’s official resale platform is prohibited, though legitimate resale at face value is permitted through their official marketplace.
If Payments Fail
If your payment fails, FIFA provides a 72-hour window to update your payment information. Act immediately upon receiving any payment failure notification. Check your spam folder regularly during result announcement periods, as critical emails sometimes get filtered incorrectly. If the payment issue isn’t resolved within the window, your tickets are released back to the pool.
Step 5: Buying Tickets Elsewhere If You Don’t Win
Lottery rejection isn’t the end of your World Cup dreams. Multiple legitimate alternatives exist, though costs typically exceed face value. Here are your options ranked by reliability and value.
FIFA Official Resale Marketplace
FIFA operates an official fan-to-fan resale platform where ticket holders can sell tickets they can no longer use. While prices may exceed original face value, this remains the safest secondary market option with FIFA-backed guarantees. The marketplace typically opens closer to the tournament – monitor FIFA.com for announcements.
Official Hospitality Packages
For guaranteed entry without lottery uncertainty, there are hospitality packages which offer a premium alternative. Available through On Location (FIFA’s official hospitality partner), these packages start at approximately $1,350 per person for group stage matches. Of course, for Round of 32 and Round of 16, as well as third place and the final, the price point is going to be much, much higher.
But the perks are premium too – hospitality packages include premium seating, food and beverage service, and exclusive lounge access. While significantly more expensive, they eliminate the uncertainty of lottery-based purchasing. But they are undeniably for those with deeper pockets.
Secondary Market Platforms
Established resale platforms like ours offer World Cup tickets, though prices typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more for standard matches. However, not all platforms are safe and reliable. Only use platforms offering buyer guarantees and fraud protection – TicketCenter is one of those. We offer reliable tickets that are safe and easy to obtain.
General Sale (Spring 2026)
Your final opportunity for buying World Cup tickets through official FIFA channels arrives with the general sale in Spring 2026. This first-come, first-served sale opens to everyone. It’s going to be intense and hard to get tickets, as speed is the deciding factor for obtaining the tickets. If you fail to get tickets beforehand, this might be your final chance to get the tickets officially – only secondary markets such as TicketCenter will be left as safe options.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Tickets are expensive, there’s a huge demand, and it might be a touch complicated to get the tickets. So it’s in your best interest that everything runs smoothly.
What happens if you run into some problems? Technical issues can derail your ticket experience and even leave you without one in the end.
Luckily, we rounded up all the problems you might encounter and tried to see how to avoid them. Here are solutions to the most frequently encountered problems.
| Problem | Solution |
| Identity verification failing | Use your passport instead of a driver’s license. Ensure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the document. |
| Payment method declined | Contact your bank to enable international transactions. FIFA processes payments from Switzerland, which some cards block by default. |
| No confirmation email received | Check spam and promotions folders. Add FIFA domains to your safe sender list. If still missing after 24 hours, contact FIFA support directly. |
| Name spelled incorrectly | Contact FIFA support immediately. In severe cases, you may need to create a new account with correct information before deadlines pass. |
| Tickets not appearing in app | Tickets arrive 2-4 weeks before match dates. If still missing within two weeks of your match, contact FIFA support with your order confirmation. |
| Website crashing or timing out | Try a different browser, clear cache, or use a mobile device. Avoid peak hours immediately after sales announcements. Consider using a wired internet connection. |
| Unable to select specific matches | Some matches may have exhausted allocations for the current phase. Check back during future sales phases or explore alternative ticket sources. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy tickets for someone else?
Each ticket requires a named attendee whose identity will be verified at stadium entry. When purchasing multiple tickets, you’ll need to provide the full legal name of each attendee. These names must match government-issued identification exactly.
What happens if I can’t attend after purchasing tickets?
FIFA operates an official resale platform where you can list tickets for other fans to purchase. This is the only approved method for reselling tickets. Selling through unofficial channels violates FIFA terms and may result in ticket cancellation.
Can I change the name on my ticket?
Limited name changes are permitted through FIFA’s official platform, subject to approval and processing fees. Requests must be submitted well in advance of the match date. Emergency changes close to match day are rarely approved.
Do children need their own tickets?
All attendees regardless of age require a ticket. Children under 3 may be admitted on a parent’s lap without their own ticket at some venues, but this isn’t guaranteed. Purchasing a ticket for each child ensures entry.
Is there a waiting list if I don’t win the lottery?
FIFA doesn’t maintain a traditional waiting list. However, tickets returned from failed payments, cancellations, and resale become available in later sales phases. Your best alternatives are the general sale phase, official hospitality packages, or FIFA’s resale marketplace.
Can I buy tickets at the stadium on match day?
FIFA has not announced stadium box office sales for World Cup 2026. Given expected demand, last-minute stadium purchases are unlikely to be available. Plan to secure tickets through official sales phases or approved resale channels well in advance.
What payment methods does FIFA accept?
FIFA accepts major credit and debit cards, with Visa being the preferred method for certain sales phases. Ensure your card permits international transactions, as FIFA processes payments through their Swiss headquarters. Bank transfers and cryptocurrency are not accepted.
How do mobile tickets work on match day?
Your ticket appears as a QR code in the FIFA app. At stadium entry, staff scan this code while verifying your identity matches the ticket name. Ensure your phone is charged and the app is updated before arriving. Download tickets for offline access in case of connectivity issues at the venue.
Final Checklist and Next Steps
Time is running out for the current lottery phase. Take these actions today to maximize your chances of attending the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Create your FIFA account now if you haven’t already. Complete identity verification immediately to avoid delays.
- Submit lottery applications before January 13, 2026, 11 AM ET. There’s no advantage to waiting – enter as soon as possible.
- Always check the “accept downgrade” box to dramatically improve your odds of securing tickets.
- Prepare backup plans: research hospitality packages and set alerts for the general sale phase in Spring 2026.
- Download the FIFA app and familiarize yourself with its interface before tickets are delivered.
The 2026 World Cup is going to be an unforgettable experience. You don’t want to miss it – so do everything in your power to prepare and get tickets as soon as possible.
Good luck with your applications, and may we see you at the World Cup!