2026 FIFA World Cup Tickets: Complete Buying Guide

2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Guide

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest sporting event in North American history. With 48 teams, 104 matches across 16 stadiums in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, getting tickets requires strategy and preparation.

Key Dates

• Tournament Dates: June 11 - July 19, 2026
• Official Ticket Sales: Expected to begin late 2025
• Host Countries: USA (11 cities), Canada (2 cities), Mexico (3 cities)

How to Buy Official FIFA Tickets

1. Register on FIFA.com - Create an account now to be ready for the ticket lottery

2. Watch for announcements - FIFA will announce ticket phases in 2025

3. Apply in the lottery - Most tickets are allocated via random selection

4. Check results - Selected applicants can purchase their tickets

Ticket Categories

FIFA typically offers several ticket categories:

Category

Description

Expected Price Range

Category 1	Premium sideline seats	$400-1,500
Category 2	Good views, lower level	$200-600
Category 3	Upper level, corners	$80-250
Category 4	Residents only, limited	$50-150

Understanding the Resale Market

Once official tickets sell out (they will), the resale market becomes your next option:

Pros of Resale:

• Tickets available after sellout
• Choose specific seats
• Last-minute availability

Cons of Resale:

• Higher prices (often 2-5x face value)
• Risk of fraud if using unofficial platforms
• Must verify ticket authenticity

Where to Buy Resale Tickets Safely

Only use verified platforms with buyer protection:

• StubHub - Official FIFA resale partner
• Ticketmaster - Verified resale marketplace
• SeatGeek - Buyer guarantee program
• Vivid Seats - 100% buyer guarantee

Use Ticket Scan to compare prices across all these platforms and find the best deal.

Stadium-Specific Tips

MetLife Stadium (New York): Largest US venue, expect highest demand. Lower bowl sidelines are best for soccer.

SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles): Potential Final venue. Book accommodations early - LA hotels will be expensive.

Estadio Azteca (Mexico City): Historic venue, incredible atmosphere. Altitude of 7,200 feet affects players.

Budget Planning

Here's a realistic budget for attending a World Cup match:

Expense

Group Stage

Knockout Round

Ticket (resale)	$300-800	$600-2,000+
Flights	$200-800	$200-800
Hotel (2 nights)	$400-800	$400-800
Food/Transport	$150-300	$150-300
Total	$1,050-2,700	$1,350-3,900+

Pro Tips for 2026 World Cup Tickets

1. Register with FIFA early - Don't miss the lottery window

2. Consider group stage matches - Much cheaper than knockout rounds

3. Be flexible on location - Smaller cities have better availability

4. Set price alerts - Use Ticket Scan to track resale prices

5. Book travel separately - Don't commit until you have tickets

6. Join supporter groups - Some allocations go to official fan clubs

What to Avoid

• Unofficial ticket sites - High fraud risk
• Social media sellers - No buyer protection
• Buying before allocation - Prices will change significantly
• Last-minute final tickets - Expect extreme prices

Track World Cup Ticket Prices

Start monitoring ticket prices now on Ticket Scan. Set alerts for specific venues or matches and we'll notify you when prices drop to your budget.

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