Editorial Disclosure
This website is an independent news outlet and is not affiliated with FIFA. Official tickets are only sold at FIFA.com/tickets. We do not sell tickets or provide a resale platform. This guide is for educational purposes to help fans navigate the official process.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is set to be the biggest sporting event in history, spanning 16 host cities across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With 104 matches on the schedule, demand is unprecedented. If you want to be in the stands without paying “black market” prices, you must understand the Random Selection Draw process.+1
1. When to Buy: The Critical Deadlines
The ticketing process is divided into phases. We are currently in the most important window for general fans.
- Current Phase (Random Selection Draw): Open NOW through January 13, 2026 (11:00 AM ET).
- Result Notifications: Successful applicants will be notified via email in February 2026.
- Payment Window: If you win, your registered card will be automatically charged in February 2026.
- First-Come-First-Served Phase: Expected to open in Spring 2026 for any remaining inventory.
2. How to Buy: Step-by-Step Application
The “lottery” is not first-come-first-served. An application submitted on the final day has the same odds as one submitted on the first.
- Register a FIFA ID: Head to the official FIFA Tickets Portal and create an account. You cannot apply without a verified FIFA ID.
- Select Your Matches: You can apply for individual match tickets for any of the 104 games.1 After the Final Draw on Dec 5, 2025, you can now see exactly which teams are playing in which cities.
- Choose Your Category: * Category 1: Prime seating (sides of the pitch).
- Category 2 & 3: Standard seating (corners and behind goals).
- Category 4: Exclusive to residents of the host nation (USA, Canada, or Mexico) and the most affordable.
- Accept “Downgrades”: Check the box that allows FIFA to offer you a lower-priced category if your primary choice is unavailable. This significantly increases your chances of getting any ticket.
3. Official Ticket Pricing (Face Value)
Beware of “speculative” listings on resale sites. The official prices for the 2026 Random Selection Draw are:
| Match Type | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 / Entry |
| Group Stage | $410 – $620 | $310 – $465 | $140 – $215 | $60 – $105 |
| Opening Match | $1,745+ | $1,240+ | $715+ | $350+ |
| Round of 16 | $550+ | $420+ | $220+ | $160+ |
| World Cup Final | $6,000+ | $4,200+ | $3,100+ | $1,000+ |
4. Avoiding Scams & Unauthorized Resellers
FIFA does not recognize tickets purchased on third-party sites like StubHub or Viagogo. If the name on the digital ticket does not match the “Main Applicant” or their registered guest, entry may be denied.
- The Golden Rule: Only use the Official FIFA Resale Platform (launching Spring 2026) if you miss out on the lottery. This is the only way to buy a verified ticket at face value.