FIFA World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the New Ticketing System
Article published by Victor Sakou, independent journalist based in Philadelphia
FIFA has unveiled a new ticketing system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time in the tournament’s history, tickets will be sold under a dynamic pricing model, meaning prices will fluctuate based on demand.
💰 Dynamic Pricing: A First for FIFA
- Starting price: $60 for group-stage matches
- Final match: up to $6,730 depending on demand
- Ticket prices will change in real time, similar to airlines and hotels
📅 Ticket Sales Phases
FIFA has structured the ticketing process into four main phases:
1. Phase 1 – Visa Presale Draw (September 10 to 19, 2025)
- Open to Visa cardholders with a FIFA ID account
- Registration period: September 10 to September 19, 2025
- Winners will be notified starting September 29
- Ticket purchase windows open on October 1
- Limits: 4 tickets per match, up to 40 tickets total per person
- Approximately 1 million tickets available during this phase
2. Phase 2 – Early Ticket Draw (October 27 to 31, 2025)
Estimated application window: late October. Purchases will take place between mid-November and early December.
3. Phase 3 – Random Selection Draw (December 2025)
Following the official tournament draw on December 5, 2025, FIFA will offer tickets randomly allocated to fans.
4. Phase 4 – General Sale (First-Come, First-Served)
Before the tournament, tickets will be made available to the general public without the need for a draw.
📌 Ticketing Schedule Overview
| Phase | Dates | Eligibility | Purchases Start | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – Visa Presale Draw | Sept 10 – 19, 2025 | Visa cardholders + FIFA ID | Oct 1, 2025 | Dynamic pricing; limited availability |
| Phase 2 – Early Ticket Draw | Oct 27 – 31, 2025 | Registered fans | Mid-November | Details to be confirmed |
| Phase 3 – Random Selection Draw | After Dec 5, 2025 | Registered fans | December 2025 | Tickets allocated randomly |
| Phase 4 – General Sale | Early 2026 | General public | TBD | First-come, first-served |
🎟️ Official Resale Platform
FIFA will launch an official resale platform to help combat ticket scalping. However, there will be no price caps in most markets, except in Mexico, where resale prices will be regulated at face value.
🏟️ Hospitality Packages
Premium hospitality packages have been available since May 2025. For the final match at MetLife Stadium, prices range from $3,500 to $73,200 per person.
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