Buying 2026 World Cup Tickets? The Third phase of ticket sales, the Random Selection Draw, begins on December 11. Explore ticket prices, entry rules, the lottery system, secondary-market costs, and the easiest ways to secure seats for the biggest football event ever.
The pathway to seeing a match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup just got clearer — but it’s still expensive and competitive. With the tournament schedule and group draw now public, fans can apply for specific games beginning 11 December 2025 (entry opens at 11:00 a.m. ET / 17:00 CET) through FIFA’s ticket portal.
The “Random Selection Draw” will run until 13 January 2026, and successful applicants will be notified in February and charged automatically for any tickets awarded.
Why Random Selection Draw matters: Matchups are tied to specific stadiums, team-specific matches, cities, and kick-off times, so entering the draw means you’re applying for seats at particular games, not just a general shot to buy later.
This makes the December–January window the prime time to lock in face-value tickets for the fixtures you really want.
2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Update – Random Draw, Pricing Changes & Buyer Guide
What’s already happened: FIFA says nearly 2 million tickets were allocated during the earlier Visa presale and Early Ticket Draw phases, so available inventory in the Random Selection Draw will reflect what’s left after those large allocations.
Other routes (and costs) to consider for 2026 World Cup Tickets:
• Last-minute public sale: In spring, there will be a “first-come, first-served” sales phase for remaining inventory — but how many and which matches will be offered is unclear.
• Resale market: FIFA and third-party platforms list resale tickets, but expect steep markups on popular matches; prices have already climbed in secondary markets. Buying a resale item can be faster, but it is also costlier and carries risks.
• Hospitality packages: Sold directly and guaranteed, but often cost thousands per person.
• Country allocations: National federations receive allocations (roughly a percentage of seats) and run separate processes for fans of the participating teams — check your federation’s site for its rules and timelines.
Pricing & dynamic pricing note: FIFA has introduced variable or dynamic pricing for some tickets this cycle, which has sparked debate. In response to criticism, FIFA has indicated that there will be limits on full dynamic pricing for all categories.
However, high demand for 2026 World Cup Tickets will still lead to increased prices for popular matches. Industry experts argue that dynamic pricing has become common in large events, so it’s important for buyers to consider both face-value tickets and resale strategies.
2026 World Cup Tickets Practical tips:
- Create and verify your FIFA ID now at FIFA.com/tickets.
- Apply in the Random Selection Draw (11 Dec–13 Jan) for the specific matches you want.
- Set a clear budget: Include travel, lodging, and possible resale premiums.
- If you must buy resale, use reputable platforms and confirm seller guarantees.
With the draw and schedule now announced, the next two months are crucial for fans looking to obtain tickets at face value. Make sure to enter the draw, plan your travel, and be ready—this World Cup is set to be significant, expensive, and unforgettable.
FIFA Fans festivals offer an alternative to tickets
Most people who visit our market don’t have a ticket to the match, but they still want to soak up the World Cup excitement. SO Fan Fastival is one of the best options for all the fans.
Fan festivals and official fan zones give supporters a ticket-free way to experience World Cup excitement. These Fan festival events are hosted in various cities, featuring live match screenings, music, food, sponsor activations, merchandise, and family entertainment, often available for free or at low cost.
From the Kansas City fan festivals to all 16 central meeting points for fans across Canada, Mexico, and the USA, details will be released soon by FIFA. Be sure to check official host-city schedules and fan-zone rules for exact locations, timings, and any registration or bag policy requirements.