FIFA has officially announced the opening date for ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The first ticket lottery for the event will begin on September 10, 2025, marking the start of a multi-phase process that will stretch into the tournament itself.
According to FIFA, fans hoping to attend matches in one of the 16 host cities must first register for a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets. This account will be essential not only for applying for tickets, but also for receiving updates and notifications about deadlines, draw results, and personalized purchase windows. The lottery system will be used to handle the immense global demand fairly, as it did in previous editions.
How the Ticket Process Will Work
The first phase opens on September 10, 2025, when registered users will be able to submit applications for tickets. During this phase, fans can request tickets for specific matches or for venue-specific packages — known as “venue series” — without yet knowing which teams will be playing. That’s because the official World Cup draw, which determines group-stage matchups, will only take place in December 2025.
Once the application window closes, FIFA will use a random draw to allocate tickets. Fans selected in this first lottery will be notified by email and assigned a personal purchase window during which they must complete payment and finalize their ticket order. Tickets will be assigned by category, not by specific seat numbers.
Following the lottery, FIFA will launch a first-come, first-served phase where any remaining tickets can be purchased in real-time. This second phase will begin after the December draw, giving fans the opportunity to buy tickets for matches involving specific teams — including heavyweights like Brazil, Argentina, France and Germany — since by then fixtures will be known.
Several additional phases will follow in the lead-up to the tournament, including further lottery draws and first-come, first-served opportunities, particularly as demand fluctuates and team qualifications are finalized. FIFA also confirmed that tickets will be available during the tournament itself, all the way through to the final on July 19, 2026.
Hospitality Packages Already on Sale
For fans seeking premium access and guaranteed seats, hospitality packages are already available for purchase via FIFA’s official hospitality partner. These packages range from single-match experiences to venue series and even “Follow My Team” bundles. Prices vary widely — starting around $1,350 USD per match and climbing above $8,000 for elite-level experiences.
Important Notes and Travel Considerations
FIFA has emphasized that ticket holders are still responsible for securing valid visas or travel authorizations to enter the host countries. The ticket itself does not guarantee entry into Canada, Mexico, or the United States.
In a move to protect local access, FIFA has indicated that dynamic pricing models — which adjust prices based on demand — may apply outside the host nations, though Canadian, Mexican and U.S. fans could be exempt.
Lastly, fans planning to travel to the event are encouraged to take proactive measures, such as setting up their FIFA ID right away, keeping an eye on FIFA’s email correspondence, and getting ready to apply as soon as the window opens on September 10, 2025.
With 48 national teams competing in 104 matches across three countries, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, making the upcoming lottery one of the most anticipated events for sports fans, with high demand and intense competition for tickets.