Upcoming Ticket Sales for the 2026 World Cup
FIFA revealed on Wednesday that the upcoming round of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will kick off on December 11, just a few days following the draw that determines the matches. This will be the first opportunity for fans to purchase individual match tickets based on specific matchups, including the chance to apply for supporter tickets directly through their national associations.
Current Ticket Demand
To date, over two million tickets have been snapped up, with the majority sold to fans in the three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in that order. Interest has also been notable from fans in countries such as England, Germany, Brazil, and Spain, with ticket requests arriving from 212 nations and regions worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his excitement, stating, “Congratulations to everyone who has already booked their seats, and for those who haven’t, a new opportunity begins on December 11, just days after the Final Draw in Washington, D.C.”
Tournament Details
The 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 teams competing across 78 matches hosted in 11 U.S. cities along with games in three Mexican cities and two Canadian host cities. The tournament will commence with an opening match in Mexico City on June 11, leading up to the grand finale scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer for the 2026 World Cup, noted the immense global interest with 42 teams having already qualified, as anticipation builds for determining the specific match pairings. “With the much-awaited opening match in fewer than 200 days, we are ready and excited to welcome fans to North America for the biggest FIFA World Cup yet,” Schirgi remarked.
Travel and Visa Information
Further enhancing the travel experience for attendees, FIFA announced that ticket holders will benefit from expedited visa interviews before entering the U.S., a measure discussed during a meeting with President Donald Trump. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, known as FIFA PASS, aims to assist international visitors in navigating U.S. immigration processes smoothly.
However, FIFA also cautioned that holding a match ticket does not guarantee entry into the host countries and encouraged fans to visit the respective government websites of Canada, Mexico, and the United States for updated entry requirements. They also advised applicants to handle visa applications as early as possible.
Match Schedule Release
On December 6, FIFA plans to release an adjusted match schedule that will detail time slots and venues for each game as the tournament approaches.
