Securing FIFA World Cup tickets is every soccer fan’s dream, and with the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Americans have a golden opportunity to witness the world’s biggest sporting event on home soil. Understanding the FIFA visa presale, ticket pricing, and sales phases can help you plan ahead and lock in your seats before they sell out.
Understanding the FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Phases
Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup follow a structured, multi-phase approach to ensure fairness and transparency. Being familiar with each phase gives U.S. fans a strategic advantage.
First Phase: Visa Presale Draw
The Visa World Cup presale draw opens first for Visa cardholders. During this phase, registered Visa customers can enter a draw to purchase tickets before the general public sale. Applications for the FIFA visa presale draw began July 30, 2025, and the first phase of ticket sales opened on September 10, 2025.
Second Phase: General Public Sale
Following the presale, the general sale opens to all fans worldwide. This phase typically begins two weeks after the presale and offers remaining tickets across all match categories. For FIFA tickets 2026, this means you can choose from group stage, knockout rounds, and final match seating.
Last-Minute Sales and Hospitality Packages
Closer to match dates, FIFA releases a small number of tickets and premium hospitality packages. These FIFA World Cup tickets are ideal for fans seeking VIP experiences, including official fan events and exclusive stadium tours.
How to Register for the Visa Presale World Cup Draw
Participating in the visa presale world cup draw requires a valid Visa credit or debit card and a FIFA Ticketing account. Follow these steps:
- Visit the FIFA Ticketing website and create an account.
- Link your Visa card details and submit your application between July 30 and September 9, 2025.
- Check your email for draw results on September 10, 2025. Successful applicants receive unique purchase codes for presale slots.
Registering early maximizes your chance to secure FIFA World Cup tickets at face value before dynamic pricing and resale markups.
FIFA Tickets 2026: Price Categories and Allocation
FIFA divides ticket inventory into four price categories to cater to different budgets and preferences. Prices for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches vary based on match importance and stadium capacity.
| Category | Group Stage | Round of 16 | Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Third Place | Final |
| Cat 1 | $70 | $115 | $160 | $210 | $210 | $430 |
| Cat 2 | $50 | $95 | $140 | $190 | $190 | $385 |
| Cat 3 | $30 | $65 | $110 | $160 | $160 | $315 |
| Cat 4 | $20 | $45 | $90 | $140 | $140 | $265 |
These FIFA World Cup ticket prices reflect face-value costs. Secondary markets often charge significantly more, especially for knockout rounds and the final match.
Navigating Secondary Markets and Avoiding Scams
While the FIFA World Cup presale and general sale offer fair pricing, many fans turn to resale platforms like StubHub and Viagogo when tickets sell out. Exercise caution:
- Always choose reputable sites with buyer protection.
- Compare prices across multiple platforms before purchasing.
- Beware of counterfeit tickets and unauthorized resellers.
Consider waiting until match dates approach; some resale prices drop as sellers clear inventory, but this is riskier for sold-out popular matches.
FIFA Club World Cup and Other Ticketing Opportunities
If your schedule doesn’t align with FIFA World Cup 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup and regional qualifiers also provide exciting ticket opportunities. These tournaments often feature top clubs and national teams and have more accessible ticket availability and pricing.
Tips to Maximize Your Ticket Purchase Success
Securing tickets to the world’s most anticipated sporting event requires preparation:
- Create and verify your FIFA Ticketing account well before presale deadlines.
- Save your Visa card details to your FIFA account to streamline checkout during the presale.
- Set browser tabs for presale and general sale start times to avoid delays.
- Consider less prominent match days or venues for better ticket availability.
- Sign up for newsletters from FIFA and host cities for announcements on additional ticket releases.
Planning Your FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience
Once you have your FIFA World Cup tickets, plan travel and accommodations early. Host cities across North America will experience high demand for hotels and flights. Look for package deals offering bundled match tickets, lodging, and local transport.
Official travel partners and tourism boards often provide fan zones, fan festival access, and ticket-and-hotel packages designed for U.S. visitors. Booking through these channels can secure discounts and exclusive perks.
FAQs
When does the FIFA visa presale start?
The FIFA visa presale draw application opened July 30, 2025, with the presale phase launching September 10, 2025.
How much do FIFA World Cup tickets cost?
FIFA World Cup tickets start at $20 for group stage Cat 4 seats and go up to $430 for final match Cat 1 seats.
Can I buy tickets after the presale?
Yes, the general sale phase follows the presale and offers remaining tickets. Additionally, last-minute sales and hospitality packages release closer to match dates.
What if tickets sell out?
Fans can turn to secondary markets, but should use reputable platforms and beware of scams. Prices often exceed face value, particularly for knockout and final matches.
Are there other FIFA events to attend?
Yes, the FIFA Club World Cup and regional qualification matches provide additional opportunities to experience international soccer with more accessible ticket availability and pricing.
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