World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Phases: A Deep Dive into the Official FIFA Guide

The wait is over! FIFA has finally lifted the curtain on the much-anticipated ticket sales process for the 2026 World Cup. For millions of fans, the dream of witnessing the world's biggest sporting event live is one step closer to reality. The official announcement outlines a multi-phase approach, giving fans several opportunities to secure tickets.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each phase, explaining the timelines, requirements, ticket types, and strategies to maximize your chances.

The Four Official Phases of World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales

FIFA has structured the sales process into four distinct phases. Three of these will occur before the end of 2025, with a final phase opening closer to the tournament start date. Understanding each one is crucial to planning your application strategy.

Phase 1: The VISA Presale Lottery (September 10 - September 19, 2025)

This is the very first opportunity for fans to get their hands on tickets. As the official payment services partner of FIFA, VISA gets its own presale window.

Application Window: September 10th to September 19th, 2025.
Requirement: You must be a VISA card holder to apply. All applications must be submitted with a valid VISA card.
The Process: This phase is a lottery, not a direct sale. You submit an application for the tickets you want. After the window closes, a random selection draw will take place.
Receiving Results: Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email starting from September 30th, 2025.
The Catch: If you are successful, you aren't guaranteed the exact tickets you applied for. Instead, you will be assigned a specific time window to log in to the FIFA ticketing portal and purchase from the available inventory. The most sought-after matches may already be gone by the time your window opens.

Ticket Types Available in Phase 1:

Single Match Tickets: A ticket for one specific game.
Venue Specific Ticket Series (VSTS): This package includes tickets to all group stage matches and one Round of 32 knockout match at a specific host city. This is a fantastic option for fans who want to base themselves in one city. For example, you could secure tickets for all games in the Bay Area, as detailed in our guide to Bay Area matches.
Team Specific Ticket Series (TSTS): This package includes one ticket for each of the three group stage matches for a specific national team. Be warned: teams will likely play their three games in three different cities, so this option involves significant travel.

The lowest announced price for a group match ticket in this phase is $60.

Phase 2: The First General Lottery (October 27 - October 31, 2025)

This is the second "blind" lottery phase, open to all fans regardless of their payment method.

Application Window: October 27th to October 31st, 2025.
The Process: Similar to the VISA presale, this is a lottery for a chance to buy tickets. You apply for the matches or packages you hope to get.
Receiving Results: Applicants will be notified of the outcome starting in mid-November.
Unconfirmed Details: FIFA has not yet confirmed if Team Specific Ticket Series (TSTS) will be available in this phase.

This phase, like the first, happens before the Final Draw, meaning you won't know the specific matchups for any group stage games. You'll be applying based on date and location.

Curious about which teams might play in your city? The possibilities are endless! See potential matchups and group combinations by running our World Cup 2026 Draw Simulator.

Phase 3: The Post-Draw Lottery (Starts December 2025)

This is where things get really exciting. The Final Draw for the World Cup is scheduled for December 5th, 2025. For the first time, we will know the full group stage schedule, including who plays who, where, and when.

Application Window: Begins after the December 5th draw.
The Process: This is still a lottery, but it is no longer blind. You can apply for a specific match (e.g., Brazil vs. France in Los Angeles).
Competition Level: Expect this phase to be incredibly competitive. With the matchups known, billions of fans worldwide will be targeting the same high-demand games. Your chances in the random draw may be lower, but the prize is a ticket to a confirmed blockbuster.

Phase 4: The First-Come, First-Served Final Phase (Spring 2026)

This is the last-chance saloon for tickets.

Application Window: Sometime in the spring of 2026, before the tournament begins.
The Process: As the name suggests, this is a direct sale. Tickets are available in real-time on the FIFA portal. Whoever gets there first, gets the tickets.
The Hidden Gem: This phase can sometimes be the best. Why? Because it often includes the release of previously unsold hospitality packages and sponsor allocations. This can result in surprisingly good seats becoming available for those who are quick enough to snag them.

Understanding Ticket Categories and Prices

FIFA is selling tickets in four main categories, which correspond to different seating areas in the stadium.

Illustration of premium hospitality seating at a stadium

Category 1: These are the highest-priced tickets, located in prime areas of the stadium, typically along the sidelines in the lower tier.
Category 2: These seats are usually located outside of the Category 1 areas, often in the corners of the lower tier or in good sections of the upper tier.
Category 3: A more affordable option, these seats are generally located in the upper tier, often behind the goals.
Category 4: The most affordable tickets, likely located in the upper tier behind the goals. Crucially, Category 4 tickets are reserved exclusively for residents of the host country (USA, Mexico, and Canada).

For a more general overview of ticketing, check out our Complete World Cup 2026 Ticket Guide.

Final Thoughts and Strategy

Securing World Cup tickets is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are a few key takeaways:

Participate in Every Phase: Your best strategy is to apply in every single lottery phase to maximize your chances.
Be Realistic: The demand for tickets will be astronomical. Prepare for the likelihood of being unsuccessful in some or all of your applications, and don't get discouraged.
Have Funds Ready: Make sure your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the tickets you apply for. FIFA will charge you automatically if your application is successful.
Consider All Ticket Types: If your goal is simply to experience the World Cup atmosphere, applying for less popular group matches or a Venue Specific Ticket Series in a less central city might increase your odds compared to targeting the final in New York/New Jersey.

The journey to the 2026 World Cup has begun. Good luck, and may the draw be ever in your favor!

2026 FIFA World Cup Simulator