The biggest event in the world of football, the FIFA World Cup, is set to be held in North America in 2026. The excitement among football fans worldwide surrounding this World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has already begun. Collecting match tickets is one of the most important aspects of this huge event.
How much will the “FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices” be? Our detailed report today answers all these questions on how to buy them and how to prepare for it. It will take you one step closer to fulfilling your dream of watching your favourite team play from the stadium gallery.
Introduction: The dream of joining the world stage
Four years of waiting, the battle for supremacy of 48 teams and the emotions of millions of people – this is what the FIFA World Cup is all about. While watching these exciting matches on the television screen is a joy, the feeling of watching the game live from the gallery is incomparable. The sound of the players’ breathing, the speed of the ball, and the audience’s collective roar – all this is an unforgettable experience. But the first step to fulfilling this dream is to secure match tickets.
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest and most innovative in history. For the first time, three countries are jointly hosting the tournament, and the number of participating teams has increased to 48. A total of 104 matches will be held in 16 different cities, so naturally, the demand for tickets will also skyrocket.
FIFA World Cup 2026: What’s new
The 2026 World Cup is being called a “game changer”. Here are some reasons for this:
- Joint hosts: The United States, Mexico and Canada – these three countries are jointly hosting the World Cup.
- Increase in participating teams: 48 teams will participate this time instead of 32 teams.
- Increase in the number of matches: 104 matches will be held this time instead of 64 matches.
- Huge geographical spread: The games will be played in 16 cities spanning North America’s West and East coasts.
While these changes have increased the tournament’s appeal, they have also made obtaining tickets more competitive.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: What to Expect?
The biggest question is, “How much will FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets cost?” FIFA has yet to officially announce ticket prices for general audiences. However, we can get an idea from ticket prices for previous World Cups and various estimates made for the 2026 World Cup.
Ticket prices for previous World Cups (e.g. the 2022 Qatar World Cup)
Ticket prices for the Qatar World Cup varied depending on the category and the importance of the matches. Typically, group stage matches have the lowest ticket prices, and the final matches have the highest.
- Group stage: General category tickets started at around $70.
- Round of 16: Ticket prices started at around $96.
- Quarter-finals: Ticket prices started at around $206.
- Semi-finals: Ticket prices started at around $357.
- Final: The lowest-priced ticket for the final match was around $604.
While these prices provide a general idea, prices are likely to be slightly higher for the 2026 World Cup. This is due to inflation and the high cost of living in North American countries.
Possible ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup (estimated)
According to reports from various international sports media outlets and experts, the possible ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup could be as follows:
- Group stage matches: $ 80 – $ 250
- Round of 32: $ 100 – $ 300
- Round of 16: $ 120 – $ 350
- Quarter-finals: $ 250 – $ 500
- Semi-finals: $ 400 – $ 1,200
- Final: $700 – $ 2,000
Important note: These are estimates only. FIFA will announce the final prices.
Ticket categories
Typically, FIFA sells tickets in different categories for each match, based on the number of seats in the stadium. These categories are:
- Category 1: Seats in the best position on the field (e.g., along the middle). These tickets are the most expensive.
- Category 2: Slightly less convenient seats than Category 1 (e.g., near the corners).
- Category 3: Seats behind the goalposts. These tickets are relatively cheap.
- Category 4 (if available): This category is usually reserved for host country residents and is the least expensive.
Ticket Buying Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying tickets for the FIFA World Cup is a specific process divided into several stages. The official ticket sales process for the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
Step 1: Register on FIFA’s official website
The first and most important step in purchasing tickets is to create an account on FIFA’s official ticket portal (FIFA.com/tickets). You must create this account with your personal information, such as name, address, passport number, etc. By creating an account in advance, you will be ready to apply as soon as the ticket sales start.
Step 2: Different stages of ticket sales
FIFA usually sells tickets in several stages. These stages are:
- First sales phase (lottery): In this phase, spectators can apply for the match. Winners are selected through a lottery based on all the applications received within a certain period. The chances of getting tickets in this phase are completely dependent on luck.
- Second sales phase (first-come, first-served): If tickets are still unsold after the lottery, they are sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis. You have to be very quick to get tickets in this phase, as tickets are sold out immediately if they are available.
- Last-time sales phase: Just before the start of the tournament, if any tickets are left, they are sold in this phase.
Special offer: For Visa cardholders
One of FIFA’s main partners is Visa. Therefore, there is often a special presale phase for Visa card users. This phase can only be paid with Visa cards. There is a strong possibility that such a phase will exist for the 2026 World Cup, which could start in September 2025.
Hospitality packages: Luxurious experiences
For those who want to spend money and enjoy the game in a luxurious environment, FIFA offers “Hospitality Packages”. These packages not only include match tickets, but also include many other amenities, such as:
- Premium category seats
- Access to private lounges inside the stadium
- Food and drinks (usually before, during and after the match)
- Special gifts
- Parking facilities
These hospitality packages cost much more than regular tickets. Hospitality packages for the 2026 World Cup are already on sale. They can range in price from a few thousand to several hundred thousand US dollars.
Your World Cup journey: Budget and planning
Buying FIFA World Cup tickets is only a small part of the picture. A successful World Cup trip requires proper budgeting and planning.
Main budget areas:
- Match tickets: A large part of your budget will go towards tickets. This cost will depend on how many matches you want to watch and which category of tickets you buy.
- Air Tickets: Flights from many countries worldwide to the United States, Canada, or Mexico are quite expensive. Booking your tickets in advance can save you some money. Airfares are much higher than usual during the World Cup, so booking your tickets as early as possible is wise.
- Accommodation: Demand and prices for hotels in the match cities are skyrocketing. Booking hotels or other accommodations (such as Airbnb) in advance can help keep costs under control.
- Visa: Visas will be required for all three countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The visa application process can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s a good idea to start as early as possible.
- Local transportation: You’ll need to take a plane or train to get from one city to another. Public transportation can be used to get around the city.
- Food and other expenses: You must set a budget for your daily meals and other personal expenses.
An estimated budget:
If one person plans to watch two group stage matches, an estimated budget could be as follows:
- Tickets for two matches (medium category): Approximately $ 100 – $ 500
- Airfare (round trip): Approximately $ 2000 – $ 4000
- Accommodation (for 10 days): Approximately $ 1200 – $ 2000
- Visa fees and processing: Approximately $ 300 – $ 500
- Local transportation: Approximately $ 500 – $ 1000
- Food and miscellaneous: Approximately $ 800 – $ 1200
The total estimated cost is approximately $ 6000 – $ 10000 (this is a general idea, and the actual cost may vary depending on various factors).
Warning: Beware of Black Market and Scams!
During the FIFA World Cup, the black market for tickets and various fraud rings become active. All football fans should be very careful in this regard.
Buy tickets only from official sources: FIFA’s official website (FIFA.com/tickets) is the only reliable way to buy tickets. Buying tickets from any other website, social media page, or person carries the risk of being scammed.
- Avoid unbelievable offers: If a website or person offers tickets at an incredibly low price, it could be a fraud trap.
- Do not share personal information: Do not provide your credit card or personal information on an unfamiliar website.
- FIFA Resale Platform: If you cannot attend after purchasing tickets, FIFA has an official resale platform where you can safely sell your tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: When will FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets go on sale?
Answer: According to FIFA’s announcement, the first phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will begin in September 2025. There may also be a presale phase for Visa cardholders.
Question 2: How can I apply for 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets?
Answer: You must create an account on FIFA’s official ticket portal (FIFA.com/tickets). Once ticket sales start, you can apply for matches of your choice from your account.
Question 3: What factors do ticket prices depend on?
Answer: Ticket prices mainly depend on the importance of the match (e.g. group stage vs. final), the stadium seating category (category 1, 2, 3) and the type of ticket (general ticket vs. hospitality package).
Question 4: Can I apply for more than one match?
Answer: According to FIFA rules, you can usually apply for more than one match. However, there is a certain limit on the maximum number of tickets an individual can purchase.
Question 5: Will I get a refund if I don’t get a ticket?
Answer: Your card is not debited when you apply for the lottery. It is debited only if you get a ticket in the lottery. Therefore, there is no question of refunding your ticket if you don’t get a ticket.
Question 6: Do children need a separate ticket?
Answer: Yes, regardless of age, a separate ticket is required for each spectator.
Conclusion: Start your dream journey now
Watching the game at the FIFA World Cup 2026 stadium can undoubtedly be the best experience. Although the final ticket prices and detailed information have not yet been fully released, the information provided in this article will give you a clear idea of the path to fulfilling your dream.
The best time to start preparing is now. Plan your budget, prepare the necessary documents (especially your passport), and wait for FIFA’s official announcement. Proper planning and preparation allow you to be a proud spectator of the biggest football event in history. May your World Cup journey be successful!
Hi, I’m M Saif, a digital marketer with a strong focus on SEO and content writing. I help businesses improve their online visibility, drive organic traffic, and create engaging content that converts. With a results-driven approach, I work on strategies that not only boost rankings but also deliver real value to audiences.