Important Editorial Disclosure: This website is an independent news and information outlet. We are not affiliated with, authorized, or endorsed by FIFA or the FIFA World Cup 26™. This guide is provided for educational purposes only to help fans navigate the official ticketing process. Official tickets are only sold through FIFA.com/tickets. We do not sell tickets, and we strongly advise against purchasing from secondary or unauthorized marketplaces.
Introduction
The FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket lottery, officially known as the Random Selection Draw, is the fairest way to distribute the millions of requests for the 104 matches taking place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Unlike “first-come-first-served” sales, the timing of your application during the window does not affect your chances.
The 4-Step Process
- Register a FIFA ID: You must create an account at
FIFA.com/tickets. This is mandatory for every applicant. - Submit the Application: Select the specific matches, ticket categories, and the number of tickets (up to 4 per match, 40 total per household).
- The “Downgrade” Option: During the application, you can check a box to accept tickets in a lower price category if your first choice is sold out. This significantly increases your success rate.
- Automatic Payment: If you are successful, FIFA will automatically charge the credit card you provided. There is no “confirmation” period where you can change your mind—if you win, you buy.
Pro Tip: To increase your odds, apply for matches in high-capacity NFL stadiums like Dallas or New Jersey, rather than smaller venues, as the ticket pool is much larger.