The FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket draw phase has officially closed, and Visa Presale winners were notified at the end of September. FIFA has now entered the second public sales phase, giving fans another chance to secure seats for the biggest World Cup in history. Ticket prices start from $60 with dynamic pricing in place for high-demand matches, while the official resale platform is expected to launch in early 2026.
Apply now for priority access to tickets for the biggest World Cup ever in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Learn the complete ticket sales timeline—including registration steps, eligibility, ticket limits, dynamic pricing starting at $60, and when you’ll get results.
Find out official draw details, future sales phases, key deadlines, and security tips for buying tickets safely. Stay ahead with the latest updates, host cities, and tournament format. Everything international soccer fans need to know to secure seats for the world’s biggest football event.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Draw Deadline – Visa Presale Draw Details
Table of Contents
Current Status and Timeline
The Visa Presale Draw has opened on September 10, 2025, and has already generated unprecedented interest. Within the first 24 hours, more than 1.5 million applications from 210 countries were submitted.
The highest demand came from the three host countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, followed by Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
- Visa Presale Draw closed on September 19; winners were notified on September 29.
- The second sales phase began in late October and continues through November.
- FIFA confirmed dynamic pricing for all matches, starting at $60.
- Official resale platform expected to launch in early 2026.
Key Dates for Phase 1
- September 10–19, 2025: Visa Presale Draw entry window
- From September 29, 2025: Winners notified
- October–November 2025: Second public sales phase
- Early 2026: Next phase and resale window (TBA)
How the Visa Presale Draw Works
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must possess a Visa debit, credit, or prepaid card
- Must possess a Visa debit, credit, or prepaid card
Registration Process
- Create or sign in to FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets
- Complete application between September 10-19, 2025
- Provide Visa card information for payment processing
- Wait for random selection results starting September 29
Purchase Limitations
- Maximum 4 tickets per match
- Up to 10 different matches allowed
- Total limit of 40 tickets per account
- Can purchase tickets for multiple cities if matches are on different days
Ticket Pricing Structure
Revolutionary Dynamic Pricing Model
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is implementing dynamic pricing. Prices will fluctuate based on real-time demand, similar to the airline and hotel industries.
Starting Price Ranges
FIFA has committed to the $60 baseline for group stage tickets but emphasized that “variable pricing will be implemented from Day 1”. Prices could increase or decrease throughout the sales period based on demand patterns.
- Group Stage: $60-$230
- Round of 16: $20-$290
- Quarterfinals: $85-$450
- Semifinals: $140-$960
- Third Place Match: $85-$450
- Final (MetLife Stadium): $310-$6,730
Multiple Sales Phases Strategy
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw
- Registration Period: October 27-31, 2025
- Open to All: No Visa card requirement
- Purchase Window: Mid-November to early December 2025
- Available to Previous Applicants: Those who participated in Phase 1 can also enter Phase 2, regardless of selection results
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw
- Timing: After Final Draw on December 5, 2025
- Specific Match Tickets: Fans can apply for exact matchups once groups are determined
- Includes Knockout Rounds: Access to semifinals and final tickets
Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served
- Start Date: January 2026
- Remaining Inventory: Direct purchase of unsold tickets
- No Lottery: Immediate purchase for available matches
2026 World Cup: Historic Tournament Overview
Unprecedented Scale
- 48 Teams: First expanded format (up from 32)
- Three Host Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico
- 104 Matches: Most in World Cup history
- Tournament Duration: June 11 – July 19, 2026
- 16 Host Cities: 11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, 2 in Canada
Final Draw: December 5, 2025
The official tournament draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., at 12:00 PM ET. This historic venue will host team officials, ambassadors, and fans from all 16 host cities as the groups are determined.
Host Nation Placements:
- Mexico: Group A (Position A1)
- Canada: Group B (Position B1)
- USA: Group D (Position D1)
Qualified Teams Status
Currently Qualified (18 teams)
- Host Nations: USA, Canada, Mexico
- Asia (6 teams): Japan, Iran, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Australia
- South America (6 teams): Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay
- Africa (2 teams): Morocco, Tunisia
- Oceania (1 team): New Zealand
By the December draw, 42 of 48 teams will be confirmed, with the final 6 spots decided through playoffs in March 2026.
Technical Challenges and Solutions
Initial Registration Issues
The September 10 launch experienced significant technical difficulties. Many fans encountered:
- Virtual waiting rooms lasting over 30 minutes
- “HTTP Status 400 — Bad Request” error messages
- Unclear website instructions and navigation problems
FIFA attributed these issues to “extraordinary demand” and confirmed that late registration does not affect selection chances in the random draw.
Important Security and Fraud Prevention
Official Channels Only
- Exclusive Sales Platform: FIFA.com/tickets
- Official Resale Platform: FIFA will operate authorised resale hub
- Fraud Warning: Avoid unauthorized third-party websites
Household Limit Enforcement
FIFA strictly enforces the one application per household rule. Multiple applications from the same household will result in disqualification of all entries. The organisation uses advanced technology for “data cleansing” to identify and remove duplicate or fraudulent applications.
Dynamic Pricing Controversy
Industry Criticism
The dynamic pricing model has faced opposition from various stakeholders:
- New York Mayoral Candidate: Zohran Mamdani launched a petition demanding that FIFA abandon dynamic pricing
- Fan Advocacy Groups: Football Supporters Europe criticised FIFA for “living in a parallel universe”
- Price Volatility Concerns: Similar to the controversial Oasis concert ticket sales this year
FIFA’s Defense
FIFA officials argue that variable pricing:
- Maximizes income and boosts participation.
- Enhances revenue generation and boosts attendance.
- Allows price adjustments based on actual demand rather than speculation
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next
Immediate Action Items
- Today’s Priority: Submit the Visa Presale Draw application before September 19 deadline
- September 29: Begin watching for selection notification emails
- October 1: Selected applicants receive designated purchase time slots
Alternative Opportunities
- If unsuccessful in the Visa Presale Draw, fans have multiple additional chances:
- October 27-31: Early Ticket Draw registration (no Visa requirement)
- December 2025: Random Selection Draw after group assignments
- 2026: First-come, first-served sales for remaining inventory
Hospitality Options
Premium hospitality packages are already available for purchase through FIFA.com/hospitality, offering guaranteed ticket access with additional amenities.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents not just the largest tournament in soccer history, but a transformative moment for the sport across North America. Securing tickets has become a challenge with dynamic pricing, a broader format, and high demand, requiring careful planning and multiple attempts across various phases.
Final Reminder: The Visa Presale Draw closes in less than 24 hours. Visit FIFA.com/tickets immediately to submit your application for the chance to witness this historic sporting event.
When were Visa Presale Draw winners notified?
Notifications began on September 29, 2025.
What is the next FIFA 2026 ticket sales phase?
The second sales phase began in late October and continues through November 2025.
What is the starting price for tickets?
Dynamic pricing starts at $60 for group-stage matches.
Is there a resale option?
FIFA’s official resale platform will launch in 2026 before the final sales round.
