Are you ready to score World Cup tickets!? Or at least, take your best shot.
The initial presale lottery for FIFA World Cup ticket drawing goes live on Wednesday, September 10 at 11 AM EST. This presale draw is not a ticket purchase itself, but rather registration of interest in ticket purchasing. FIFA conducts a random draw from the pool of applicants, and those selected later receive a link to purchase tickets.
“With just ten months to go until the FIFA World Cup 26 kicks off, we are excited to launch the first phase of ticket sales for the tournament,” said FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi in a FIFA press release. “This marks a momentous milestone as we build up to this historic event, and we look forward to millions of fans joining us in North America next June.”
FIFA World Cup ’26 ticketing timeline
The ticket sales are compartmentalized into four phases, as demonstrated in the graphic below. Find more detailed information on how FIFA plans to roll our each phase and what registration entails, below the graphic:
- Phase 1- September 10-19: Visa Presale Draw
- This registration window opens at 11 AM EST. It is a ticket lottery, meaning that once you submit your application, some will be randomly selected to purchase tickets at a later date. You must have an active Visa card to enter this draw. Fans looking to register for Phase 1 can do so on the FIFA website.
- Phase 2- October 27-31: Early Ticket Draw
- Similar to phase 1, fans can submit an application and will be randomly selected to receive a time slot to purchase tickets, Visa cardholder status not required.
- Phase 3- December 5: Final Draw
- This will be another random lottery, similar to phases 1 and 2.
- Phase 4- Mid December: Random selection day
- Fans can submit applications to receive ticket purchase slots for specific matches.
- 2026: Last-minute ticket sales
- If any ticket inventory remains, these ticket sales will go live closer to the games.
“The countdown to FIFA World Cup 26 starts now, and lucky Visa cardholders get the first shot,” said Frank Cooper III, Chief Marketing Officer at Visa. “Through our partnership with FIFA, we’re proud to help fans take the first step toward the stadiums — offering a chance at early access to tickets and the peace of mind that comes with secure, seamless payment. This is where the road to the FIFA World Cup begins — and it starts with Visa.”
According to FIFA, when ticket sales go live, group-stage tickets will start from $60, while the most exclusive World Cup final seats will go for $6,730.