FIFA Opens Ticket Sales for Historic 2026 World Cup Across US, Canada, and Mexico
Football fans around the globe are preparing for one of the most anticipated sporting events in history as FIFA officially begins ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, promises to be the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams for the first time.
FIFA announced that ticket prices will range from as low as $60 for group-stage matches to as high as $6,710 for the final, reflecting both accessibility for fans and premium experiences for those attending the sport’s biggest game. The multi-phase ticketing process will roll out over several months, giving supporters multiple chances to secure seats.
A Record-Breaking Tournament
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup will be historic in several ways. Not only will it expand the competition from 32 to 48 teams, but it will also be the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations simultaneously. Matches will be spread across major cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico, making it the most geographically expansive World Cup ever held.
This expansion means more teams, more matches, and more fans than ever before. FIFA expects record-breaking attendance, with stadium capacities in North America among the largest in world football. Iconic venues like the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Texas, and Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca will host matches, creating unforgettable atmospheres.
Ticketing Phases and Access
FIFA has outlined a detailed ticketing schedule to manage the enormous global demand.
- Phase One (September–October 2025): Fans can register online for a FIFA ID, required for ticket applications. Visa cardholders will have exclusive access to a presale draw from September 10 to 19. Successful applicants can begin purchasing tickets on October 1.
- Phase Two (October–November 2025): A new registration window will open from October 27 to 31, followed by sales in mid-November.
- Phase Three (December 2025 onwards): Sales linked to the official World Cup draw on December 5, allowing fans to target specific teams and matchups.
Ticketing options include single-game tickets, venue-specific passes, and team-specific packages, giving fans flexibility in how they attend. FIFA has capped purchases at four tickets per person per match, with a maximum of 40 tickets per individual across the tournament, to ensure fair access.
Accessibility and Global Reach
By offering entry-level tickets at $60, FIFA is attempting to keep the World Cup accessible for everyday fans, despite rising travel and accommodation costs in North America. At the same time, premium experiences such as hospitality packages for the final are priced at thousands of dollars, reflecting the demand for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
FIFA will also provide official resale platforms for fans who cannot attend, as well as “supporter ticket packages” designed to keep groups of fans together in the stands.
The Significance for North America
The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring massive economic, cultural, and sporting benefits to its three host nations. For the United States, this will be the first time hosting since 1994, a tournament that helped ignite soccer’s popularity across the country. Canada will host World Cup matches for the first time in its history, while Mexico becomes the first country ever to host the tournament three times.
According to analysts, the World Cup could generate billions of dollars in revenue through tourism, broadcasting, sponsorships, and infrastructure development. Cities hosting matches are already preparing to welcome millions of international visitors, with hotels, transport systems, and local businesses gearing up for an unprecedented surge in demand.
Fan Experience and Global Impact
The expansion to 48 teams also carries huge implications for world football. Smaller nations will have more opportunities to qualify, allowing fans from regions previously underrepresented at the World Cup to witness their teams on the grandest stage. This inclusivity is expected to expand football’s global reach and inspire new generations of players and fans.
The fan experience will also be shaped by the diversity of host cities. From the multicultural energy of Toronto to the vibrant streets of Mexico City and the iconic American sports arenas, supporters will get a unique mix of football and local culture.
Looking Ahead
With ticket sales now underway, excitement is building at a rapid pace. The 2026 World Cup is being framed not just as a sporting event, but as a global cultural festival that unites nations, fans, and cultures through football.
While competition for tickets will be fierce, FIFA’s phased approach ensures that fans worldwide will have multiple opportunities to secure their place at what is likely to be the most attended World Cup in history.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes are on North America ready to deliver a record-breaking spectacle that will define the future of football.
