If you find yourself dreaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026, feeling the roar of the crowd, the energy surging through the stadium, and the joy of cheering alongside thousands of fans, I’ll be there, and I want us to experience it together.
Let’s lose ourselves in the magic, catch the fever, and witness history come alive right before us.
The next World Cup is set to be the biggest one yet, and it’s coming to North America. For the first time, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches happening across 16 cities in these three football-loving nations.
We’re here to give you a detailed guide on where to buy your tickets and what you can expect them to cost.
First things first, let’s manage expectations: FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets are not on sale yet for the general public.
Yes, you read that right.
While the countdown has begun, the official ticket sales will open much closer to the event. So, put away those frantic searches on unofficial sites – your safest bet is always to wait for the official channels.
Are FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets on Sale Now?
Let me get this out of the way early — NO, tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are not yet on sale.
That might feel like a letdown, but don’t worry. FIFA operates on a schedule when it comes to ticket sales, and they typically roll them out in phases, starting with a ticket registration window before the general sales begin.
Usually, the first phase opens about a year before the tournament kicks off. Since the 2026 World Cup starts in June 2026, we can expect ticket sales to begin sometime in 2025, most likely late 2025 or early 2026.
In the meantime, you can register your interest on FIFA’s official website to be the first to know when sales begin.
FIFA.com/tickets is the only official and safe place to register and purchase tickets. Don’t fall for resale sites or ticket scammers promising early access.
They might be convincing, but they’re not legit.
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When Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 — over a month of thrilling soccer matches, fan festivals, cultural experiences, and non-stop global energy.
It’s also going to be historic: this will be the first World Cup with 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. That means more matches, more countries represented, and more chances for fans around the world to experience the magic.
How Many Matches Will There Be?
Because the number of teams has grown, so has the number of matches. In total, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches, up from the 64 played in previous tournaments.
So if you’re hoping to catch a game live — from group stage to the knockout rounds to the final — there are plenty of opportunities to find a ticket that suits your travel plans and budget.
Where Will Matches Be Played?
Matches will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico:
🇺🇸 United States (11 cities):
- New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
- Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
- Dallas (AT&T Stadium)
- San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Seattle (Lumen Field)
- Houston (NRG Stadium)
- Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field)
- Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
- Boston (Gillette Stadium)
🇨🇦 Canada (2 cities):
- Toronto (BMO Field)
- Vancouver (BC Place)
🇲🇽 Mexico (3 cities):
- Mexico City (Estadio Azteca)
- Guadalajara (Estadio Akron)
- Monterrey (Estadio BBVA)
With such a wide spread of venues, this World Cup will truly feel like a continental festival of soccer. Be it you’re in Canada’s summer sunshine or the electric vibes of Los Angeles, it’s going to be unforgettable.
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Ticket Categories
FIFA typically divides tickets into a few different categories depending on where you’re sitting and who you are. Here’s how they usually break it down:
- Category 1
These are the most premium regular seats, usually located along the side of the pitch at the halfway line. They offer the best views and are priced accordingly.
- Category 2
* Slightly less expensive, these seats are often located in the corners of the stadium, giving fans a good view of the action, though not as central.
- Category 3
Typically behind the goals or in upper tiers, these are more budget-friendly and popular with general fans.
- Category 4 (Host Country Residents Only)
This is a special category reserved only for residents of the host nations — in this case, citizens or legal residents of the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
These are usually the most affordable tickets available.
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Ticket Types
When sales go live, you’ll find several ticket types available depending on how many matches you want to see and where you’re from:
- Individual Match Tickets
Pick a single match and buy a seat. Straightforward.
- Team-Specific Tickets
Follow your favorite national team throughout the tournament. These usually include all three group stage matches and sometimes more if your team advances.
- Venue Series Tickets
If you’re based in one city or don’t want to travel too much, you can purchase a ticket package for all matches in a specific venue.
- Supporter Tickets
Designed for fans traveling to support their national teams, these tickets are sold through national football federations and often placed in a special fan section.
Ticket Prices — What Might They Cost?
While official prices for FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets haven’t been released yet, we can take a look at previous tournaments (like Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018) to get a pretty accurate idea.
Keep in mind: prices will vary depending on match stage, seat category, and section. But here’s a ballpark estimate:
Group Stage Matches:
- Category 3/4 (Affordable seats): $100 – $200
- Category 2 (Mid-range): $200 – $300
- Category 1 (Premium): $300 – $500+
Knockout Rounds (Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals):
- Category 3/4: $200 – $300
- Category 2: $400 – $600
- Category 1: $600 – $900+
Final Match:
- Category 3/4: $500 – $700
- Category 2: $800 – $1,200
- Category 1 (Premium seats): $1,500 – $2,000+
And if you’re considering hospitality or VIP packages, the sky’s the limit — these can go from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on exclusivity, location, and services offered.
Can You Buy Resale Tickets?
FIFA often opens an official resale platform where fans who can no longer attend can sell their tickets at face value. This will also be available closer to the event and will be hosted only through the FIFA website.
Avoid third-party sites. Not only are they often overpriced, but they can also be risky or outright scams.
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Registration – How to Get Ready
While you can’t buy tickets yet, you can and should register your interest. This doesn’t mean you’ve reserved a seat, but it ensures that you get email updates as soon as ticket phases open.
To register, head to:
Once registration opens, you’ll be guided to create a FIFA Ticketing Account. Through that portal, you’ll apply for tickets once sales go live. Usually, in the first phase, lotteries are used — meaning, even if you apply for a match ticket, there’s no guarantee you’ll get it. Winners are randomly selected.
Later phases often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so being quick matters.
Pro Tips for Getting FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets
Here are some simple tips to boost your chances and make the most of your ticket-buying experience:
- Register early. Don’t wait. Sign up as soon as registration opens.
- Stay flexible. Apply for multiple matches or seat categories to increase your odds.
- Follow FIFA’s official channels. Twitter, Instagram, and the official website will have real-time updates.
- Use only the official FIFA ticketing portal. Never buy from unauthorized sellers.
- Consider travel costs. Flights and hotels will spike closer to the tournament. Book early.
- Check visa and entry rules. Especially if you’re traveling between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
📌 Quick Recap:
- Tickets not yet on sale – Expected late 2025/early 2026.
- Hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities.
- Ticket prices range: $100–$2,000+, depending on match/stage.
- Register at FIFA.com/tickets to get updates.
- Plan your travel and budget early.
Final Thoughts
The FIFA World Cup 2026 isn’t just a tournament — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that brings the world together.
And even though tickets aren’t available just yet, now is the perfect time to start planning, saving, and dreaming. You’ll want to act fast once sales begin, because these tickets go quickly, especially for the big matches.
North America is getting ready. Are you?
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