If you're a tech enthusiast, chances are you're also a soccer fan. And like me, you're probably looking forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada! As a soccer fan who loves saving money, I’ve been researching how to secure tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event. However, I’ve noticed a surprising lack of reliable information, and even some misleading advice, about buying World Cup tickets. That’s why I decided to create this article—to help others like you find the right sources and understand what to expect when buying World Cup 2026 tickets.
According to an article published on FIFA.com in Nov 2024 (First Hospitality Deposit Programme Launched), general ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will commence exclusively via FIFA.com/tickets after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This means ticket sales are expected to begin around July or August 2025. Mark your calendars and keep an eye on FIFA’s official platforms for exact dates and announcements to ensure you don’t miss out.
The official and only authorized source to purchase tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is FIFA.com/tickets. There are two main options for securing your tickets:
General ticket sales will start exclusively on FIFA.com/tickets after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, which is expected to take place around July or August 2025. These tickets will be sold directly by FIFA at official prices, ensuring authenticity and transparency. It is essential to purchase only through FIFA.com to guarantee that your tickets are legitimate and fairly priced.
FIFA has launched RTB packages for Priority Access to World Cup 2026 Tickets. For example: Right-to-Final. You will get a Right-to-Buy to see your team live if they make it to the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final.
View all RTB packages on FIFA Marketplace.
FIFA has already launched the Hospitality Packages, which include tickets along with premium perks such as exclusive seating, catering, and additional benefits. This program provides early access to tickets and additional premium experiences, making it a great deal for fans looking for a comprehensive World Cup experience. If you’re considering Hospitality Packages, here is the link to purchase: https://fifaworldcup26.hospitality.fifa.com/us/en
Remember, FIFA.com is the only legitimate platform for purchasing tickets, ensuring a safe and straightforward process. Avoid secondary marketplaces to protect yourself from potential scams or overpricing.
As of now, official tickets have not been released, and there is no way to find legitimate tickets on other marketplaces. Platforms like StubHub and Viagogo have started displaying "available tickets," which is misleading. These platforms do not have actual tickets on hand. Instead, they allow you to pay an exorbitantly high price upfront and then attempt to secure a ticket for you later when official sales begin.
This approach leads to significant overpayment, and it is entirely unnecessary. Moreover, FIFA has explicitly warned soccer fans not to purchase tickets from secondary marketplaces. For example, in September 2024, FIFA cautioned fans about the risks associated with these platforms. For more details, see the ESPN report.
Stick to FIFA.com/tickets for safe and legitimate ticket purchases to ensure an enjoyable and worry-free World Cup experience.
The ticket pricing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has not yet been officially announced. However, based on the ticket prices from the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, we can provide an estimate of what ticket costs may look like for various matches and seating categories. Please note that these prices are subject to change and will be confirmed only when FIFA officially releases the tickets.
| Match Type | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | Category 4 (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Match | $618 | $440 | $302 | $55 |
| Group Matches | $220 | $165 | $69 | $11 |
| Round of 16 | $275 | $206 | $96 | $19 |
| Quarterfinals | $426 | $288 | $206 | $82 |
| Semifinals | $956 | $659 | $357 | $137 |
| Third-Place Match | $426 | $302 | $206 | $82 |
| Final Match | $1607 | $1003 | $604 | $206 |
Category 1 (Cat. 1): Premium seats located in prime areas of the stadium, offering the best views of the action. These tickets are the most expensive but provide an unparalleled viewing experience.
Category 2 (Cat. 2): Seats located in excellent viewing areas but not as centrally positioned as Category 1. They offer a good balance between price and view quality.
Category 3 (Cat. 3): Seats situated further from the field or in less ideal viewing locations, offering a more budget-friendly option while still being part of the World Cup experience.
Category 4 (Cat. 4): The most affordable ticket category, often reserved for residents of the host country (as seen in Qatar 2022). In 2026, FIFA has not confirmed whether this category will be available for local residents in host nations (USA, Canada, and Mexico). If available, it could provide an accessible way for locals to attend matches.
For the most accurate and updated pricing information, keep an eye on FIFA.com/tickets when ticket sales commence.
Here are a few tips to help you save money:
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and securing your tickets early is key to enjoying it without unnecessary stress or expenses. By sticking to official sources like FIFA’s ticketing platform and following the tips outlined here, you can ensure a smooth and affordable ticket-buying experience. I hope this article helps you enjoy the beautiful game while saving money—just like I plan to do!
Ticket sales are expected to begin in July or August 2025, about a year before the tournament kicks off. Sales typically happen in multiple phases, starting with a lottery-style random draw. FIFA will announce the dates on their official site.
All official tickets will be sold exclusively through FIFA’s ticketing portal at fifa.com. Any other website offering tickets before FIFA launches official sales should be approached with caution.
Prices will vary depending on the match, round, and seat category. Group stage matches may start as low as $70. Tickets for knockout rounds, semi-finals, and the final can range from a few hundred to over $1,000, especially for prime seating or hospitality packages.
FIFA usually provides an official resale platform that allows fans to securely resell or transfer tickets if they can no longer attend. Details will be shared closer to the tournament.
No — especially before official tickets go on sale. Third-party sites may offer inflated prices or even counterfeit tickets. To avoid scams, always wait for FIFA’s verified ticketing options.
FIFA typically offers several options:
Register early on FIFA.com. Get RTB (Right-To-Buy) Package or Hospitality Package. Read the “Where to Buy Tickets” section above for more details. Enter every phase of ticket sales, and be flexible with your match preferences. Popular matches will sell out quickly, so having backup choices will help.
FIFA is expected to use mobile ticketing for 2026, similar to recent tournaments. Fans will likely receive tickets through a secure app, but physical ticket options may be offered for select situations or international visitors.
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