2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Sales Launch
The sale of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off Wednesday, even as the tournament’s full lineup is still being determined. With only a portion of the 48-team field secured and no finalized match schedule available until December, anticipation remains high among fans worldwide. Despite these uncertainties, interest is immense; over 4.5 million hopeful applicants participated in a lottery last month for the chance to buy tickets, with selected individuals being notified by email of their ticketing opportunity.
Fan Excitement and Ticket Pricing
The excitement is palpable, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged via social media the overwhelming response:
“These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement. The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever.”
Ticket prices range widely, starting from $60 for preliminary matches to as much as $6,730 for the championship game. Fans can select from four different pricing categories, with the best seats falling under Category 1 and the more budget-friendly options at Category 4 located higher in the stadium. The dynamically priced model, used for the first time, is expected to adjust these rates as the tournament approaches.
Alternative Ticket Avenues
For those seeking alternative avenues, American Airlines is offering its AAdvantage loyalty program members the ability to exchange frequent flyer miles for tickets, beginning Oct. 13 for higher-tier members. Additionally, Verizon, a tournament sponsor, will distribute free tickets through its app starting Thursday, providing special perks for its customers. Soccer icon David Beckham emphasized the excitement of live matches as part of this collaboration.
Confirmed Teams and Venue Capacity
As of now, the only teams confirmed are the host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—along with a handful of other countries including defending champions Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and more. However, 30 slots remain unfilled in the tournament roster. To date, applicants from 216 countries expressed interest, with the U.S., Mexico, and Canada leading in submission numbers.
The United States boasts a total capacity of about 7.1 million seats across 16 venues slated to host 104 matches, but it remains unclear how many tickets will be made available to fans. The U.S. immigration landscape poses additional challenges for potential overseas visitors, as tightening regulations could hinder international travel. Tourism officials have reported a decline in foreign visitors this year, and recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggest that host cities could be altered if safety concerns arise.
Future Ticket Sales and Security Concerns
U.S. cities including East Rutherford, Inglewood, Houston, and Miami Gardens are expected to welcome fans, but ongoing discussions about security and safety remain a priority for U.S. officials. The State Department advises travelers needing visas to apply as early as possible to ensure smooth entry to the country during the event.
Future phases of ticket sales are planned with further lottery draws occurring from late October into early December, coinciding with the final team draw that will establish the match schedule. Tickets will also be available closer to the event through a first-come, first-served basis, with an official resale platform being developed by FIFA, ensuring that the excitement of the World Cup continues to grow leading up to the tournament set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
