The FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa World Cup Lottery applications have been received from 216 countries and territories, with an overwhelming response that has set new records for global sporting event interest. According to the FIFA reports, “4.5 million people had applied, and lottery winners are being notified by email to secure.“
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa Presale Draw officially closed on September 19, 2025, marking the end of the first and most anticipated Entry period for the first ticket phase for what promises to be the largest World Cup in history.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa Presale Draw officially closed on September 19, 2025, marking the end of the first and most anticipated ticket sales phase for what promises to be the largest World Cup in history. With applications from 216 countries and territories, the overwhelming response has set new records for global sporting event interest.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the response “Visa World Cup Lottery not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,” emphasizing that “the whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26: the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever seen”.
The top three countries by application volume were the three host nations, with the United States leading, followed by Mexico and Canada. This domestic dominance reflects both the tournament’s North American footprint and the region’s growing enthusiasm for soccer.
The international diversity in the top 10 showcases soccer’s global appeal, with traditional powerhouses from Europe and South America joining the host nations in ticket demand.
What Happens in the Visa World Cup Lottery: Results and Purchase Timeline
Table of Contents
Notification Process Begins Monday
Winners of the random draw will be notified via email on a rolling basis starting Monday, September 29, 2025. FIFA emphasized that a successful draw entry does not guarantee ticket availability, as the actual purchasing phase operates on a first-come, first-served basis within assigned time slots
Ticket Purchasing Starts October 1
Selected applicants will receive designated time slots to purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, October 1, 2025. These time slots will continue through October 21, when the first phase officially concludes.
Dynamic Pricing in Effect
The controversial dynamic pricing system will be active from day one, with group-stage tickets starting at $60 USD but potentially fluctuating based on real-time demand. Final match tickets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey can reach up to $6,730.
Multiple Future Opportunities for Fans
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw – October 27-31
The second phase opens on Monday, October 27, 2025, with registration running through October 31. This phase is open to all fans, not just Visa cardholders, providing broader access to tickets. Purchase windows for winners will likely run from mid-November to early December 2025
Importantly, fans who participated in the Visa Presale Draw can also enter this second phase, regardless of whether they were selected or purchased tickets in the first round.
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw – December 2025
The third phase will begin after the Final Draw on December 5, 2025, allowing fans to apply for specific matchups once groups are determined. This phase will include access to semifinals and final tickets.
Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served – January 2026
Starting in January 2026, any remaining tickets will be available through direct purchase with no lottery system.
Official Resale Platform Launches October 2
FIFA will launch its official resale platform on October 2, 2025, providing a secure marketplace for fans who can no longer attend matches. This platform aims to protect buyers against invalid or unauthorized resale while allowing sellers to list tickets at face value or within FIFA’s established limits
Historic Final Draw: December 5 in Washington D.C.
The Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM ET at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. This historic event will determine the group-stage matchups for all 48 teams.
Host Nation Placements Already Set
- Mexico: Group A (Position A1)
- Canada: Group B (Position B1)
- USA: Group D (Position D1)
Unique Fan Experience
In a groundbreaking initiative, fans from each of the 16 host cities will be eligible to participate in a special lottery for complimentary admission to the Final Draw, including VIP experiences.
Tournament Overview: Biggest World Cup Ever
Record-Breaking Scale
- 48 teams (expanded from 32)
- 104 matches total
- 16 host cities across three countries
- Tournament dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- Final venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Current Qualified Teams (18 total)
- Host Nations: USA, Canada, Mexico
- Asia (6): Japan, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Australia
- South America (6): Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
- Africa (2): Morocco, Tunisia
- Oceania (1): New Zealand
By the December Final Draw, 42 of 48 teams will be confirmed, with the final 6 spots decided through playoffs in March 2026.
Security Reminders and Official Channels
FIFA continues to emphasize that fans should only purchase tickets through FIFA.com/tickets to avoid fraud.
The organization warns against unauthorized third-party sellers and encourages fans to use the upcoming official resale platform for secure secondary market purchases.
Purchase Limitations Remain
- Maximum 4 tickets per match per person
- Total limit of 40 tickets per individual for the entire tournament
- One application per household is strictly enforced
The overwhelming response to the initial ticket phase marks a potential turning point for soccer in North America. The 2026 World Cup, the first ever to be hosted by three countries simultaneously and featuring the largest tournament field in history, is poised to break attendance and viewership records.
The combination of expanded format, continental scale, and unprecedented demand suggests that the 2026 World Cup will not only be the biggest in history but may also catalyze soccer’s continued growth across North America.
For the millions of fans who missed this first opportunity, multiple additional chances remain through the upcoming sales phases, ensuring that the world’s biggest sporting event maintains its inclusive character while meeting the extraordinary global demand it has generated.
What are the top 10 countries for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket purchases?
Over 4.5 million fans participated in the draw for the first phase of FIFA World Cup ticket sales. Visa World Cup Lottery application reveals the Top 10 Countries by Demand:
- United States (highest applications)
- Mexico
- Canada
- Germany
- England
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Spain
- Italy
How to get FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets?
To get FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, visit the official FIFA Ticketing Portal at FIFA.com/tickets. Sales started on October 1, 2025, with lottery winners notified by email for first access.
Create a FIFA ID to purchase single-match tickets (categories 1-4, prices from $60 for group stage to $6,730 for the final, with dynamic pricing).
Future phases include an early draw (Oct 27-31), random selection after the December team draw, and first-come-first-served sales closer to the event.
Use authorized partners like American Airlines (redeem miles) or Verizon (perks for customers). Avoid unofficial resellers—stick to FIFA’s official resale platform for validity.
