FIFA World Cup Tickets Ballot: How to Secure Yours Now
FIFA World Cup tickets demand is skyrocketing, with nearly 2 million already sold ahead of the historic 2026 tournament across the US, Canada, and Mexico. The main random selection ballot opens today, giving fans their first post-draw chance to apply for FIFA World Cup tickets to specific matches. Knowing group stages and venues now makes this phase crucial for locking in prime games.
This 48-team extravaganza promises unprecedented scale, but FIFA World Cup tickets won’t come easy—success depends on the lottery system, not speed of entry.
How the FIFA World Cup Tickets Ballot Works
The third-phase application launches at 4pm UK time (11am ET) on December 11, running through January 13, 2026. Fans submit for exact matches via FIFA.com/tickets after creating a free FIFA ID. Limits: 4 tickets per match, 40 total per household—no early-bird edge, as all fixtures stay available throughout.
Post-closure, FIFA runs a random draw; winners get February email notifications and auto-charged cards. FIFA World Cup tickets start at $60 for group stage (Category 4), climbing to $6,730 for the final—far above 1994 US-hosted prices ($25-$475) or Qatar 2022 ($69-$1,607). Hospitality soars to $73,200.
Dynamic pricing? Scrapped—fixed costs now apply, with ringfenced fan allocations.
World Cup tickets are an absolute shakedown.
Fifa are reselling their own tickets for $25k… pic.twitter.com/GODZ6S9eyp— The Upshot podcast (@UpshotTowers) November 27, 2025
FIFA World Cup Tickets Pricing Breakdown
| Category | Group Stage | Knockout | Final |
| Cat 1 (Best) | ~$500+ | $1,000+ | $6,730 |
| Cat 2 | ~$300 | $600+ | $4,000+ |
| Cat 3 | ~$150 | $300+ | $1,500+ |
| Cat 4 (Cheapest) | $60 | $100+ | $300+ |
England fans eyeing a final run? Category 3 could total $4,700; Category 1 exceeds $12,000. Mexico games already hit $2,600+ on resale sites like StubHub.
Alternative Paths to FIFA World Cup Tickets
- National Allocations: England/Scotland fans with ESTC/SSC memberships get priority codes December 15-January 13 (registration closed December 10).
- Resale Marketplace: FIFA’s official platform for Phase 1-2 transfers; Mexico has a separate exchange.
- First-Come, First-Served: Remaining FIFA World Cup tickets drop closer to June 2026 kickoff, availability pending.
- Warning: Avoid unofficial sites peddling fake FIFA World Cup tickets at inflated prices—FIFA urges official channels only.
Visa Essentials for International Fans Seeking FIFA World Cup Tickets
Securing FIFA World Cup tickets means planning travel docs early. US/Canada visitors need ESTA/ETA (UK) or B-2 visas; Mexico is visa-free for most tourists. Failures forfeit tickets—no refunds.
Trump’s FIFA PASS prioritizes visa interviews via a portal, backed by 400 extra consular officers. Apply ASAP—vetting remains rigorous.
Why Act Fast on FIFA World Cup Tickets
Post-draw buzz has group stage FIFA World Cup tickets for powerhouses like Mexico, USA, and Canada vanishing quick. With venues from LA to Toronto finalized, this ballot targets dream matchups. Success rates vary by popularity—high-demand games like potential England-US could dip below 10%.
Hospitality guarantees seats but at premium; resale risks markups. Track your FIFA ID status and budget wisely—FIFA World Cup tickets represent a once-in-lifetime shot at soccer history.
For live updates, monitor FIFA.com/tickets. Whether chasing group openers or the July 19 final at MetLife, entering now maximizes odds in this lottery for 104 matches.