With just over nine months to go before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, one of the most anticipated processes for fans has officially begun: ticket sales. FIFA has announced the launch of the first registration phase, which allows supporters to take their first step toward securing a seat at the world’s biggest sporting event. However, the process comes with several rules and requirements worth knowing in advance.
First Steps: Initial Registration
The opening sales phase began on September 10, and is reserved exclusively for Visa cardholders. Fans interested in participating must first create a FIFA ID on the official ticketing website (FIFA.com/tickets) and register their interest there. Once registered, users will receive updates regarding sales timelines and detailed instructions about the purchasing process.
Importantly, signing up is free of charge and does not guarantee tickets. Instead, applicants will be entered into a random lottery, which determines who can move forward. Registration will remain open until September 19, after which, starting on September 29, selected fans will be notified via email. This email will also assign them a specific date and time window to log in and buy tickets.
It is worth noting that being chosen in the draw does not ensure ticket availability during the assigned time slot, as sales will depend entirely on demand. During this stage, tickets will be available for individual matches, as well as venue- and team-specific packages, covering all 104 scheduled games across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Key Requirements
To take part in any of the ticket sales phases, fans must meet the following basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have an eligible payment method. Only Visa cards will be accepted in the first phase; other debit and credit cards will be allowed in later stages.
- Complete the registration on FIFA.com, which will be available in English and Spanish.
FIFA emphasized that the timing of registration within the designated period does not influence the chances of being selected: every applicant has the same opportunity.
Ticket Sale Phases
The organization has outlined at least three main phases of ticket sales:
- Phase One (September): reserved exclusively for Visa cardholders.
- Phase Two (October): open to a wider audience, with more payment options accepted.
- Phase Three (December): after the World Cup draw, when the full match schedule is confirmed, fans will be able to purchase tickets for specific games.
Finally, in the weeks leading up to the tournament, FIFA will open a first-come, first-served sales window for the remaining tickets.
Prices: From $60 to Over $7,000
Perhaps the most-discussed aspect is the cost of attending the World Cup. FIFA confirmed that prices for individual match tickets will start at $60 (roughly 1,200 Mexican pesos) for group stage games. At the opposite end, the most expensive ticket—for the final—will cost $6,730, or more than 120,000 pesos.
Another key detail is that FIFA will use a dynamic pricing system, meaning prices will fluctuate depending on demand for each match. This model was already tested successfully at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States.
Purchase Limits
To ensure fair access and prevent excessive accumulation of tickets, FIFA has placed the following limits:
- A maximum of 4 tickets per match.
- A maximum of 10 matches per fan throughout the tournament.
This approach is designed to give more supporters the chance to experience the event live.
Official Resale: The Only Safe Option
Recognizing that some fans may later decide not to use their tickets, FIFA will launch an official resale platform, also hosted on FIFA.com. This measure aims to curb illegal resales and provide a secure, transparent alternative for buyers and sellers alike.
Through this platform, ticket holders can list their seats legally, while other fans can purchase them with confidence. One important caveat: electronic tickets can only be transferred once, and the new holder will not be able to transfer them again.
A Fully Digital Experience
In line with global trends, all World Cup 2026 tickets will be electronic. This means there will be no physical tickets and no sales at stadium box offices or other outlets. All ticket distribution will be handled digitally through FIFA’s official site. This not only streamlines the process but also reduces risks of counterfeiting.
The Beginning of the Celebration
The 2026 World Cup will officially begin on June 11 with the opening match at the Estadio Banorte in Monterrey, Mexico. Remarkably, this venue will become the first stadium in history to host games in three different World Cups.
With 104 matches spread across three countries, the tournament is set to break records in attendance and global viewership. For fans worldwide, the road to the World Cup begins now: register, wait for the draw, and—if luck is on your side—secure a ticket to the most celebrated sporting spectacle on the planet.