The Group Stage FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets have generated massive global interest as fans prepare for football’s biggest event across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded 48-team format brings a group stage packed with more matches, additional cities, and countless opportunities for fans to catch the action live.
FIFA’s new ticketing system aims to ensure fair access for fans worldwide through a transparent draw process, allowing millions to secure seats for this historic tournament.
Here’s everything you need to know about securing Group Stage FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets and understanding how the tournament’s group stage will unfold.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Format
Table of Contents
Why This Format?
FIFA originally proposed 16 groups of three teams with 80 matches. However, this format carried significant risks of match-fixing collusion, where two teams could manipulate results knowing exactly what was needed to advance. To eliminate this vulnerability, FIFA approved the 12 groups of 4 format with 104 total matches.
Key advantages of the new structure:
- All teams play three group matches (minimum), preventing predetermined outcomes
- Each finalist plays eight total matches instead of seven
- The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 32, making a total of 32 teams.
- The tournament spans 39 days across three countries.
Group Stage Dynamics
Each of the 12 groups will contain exactly four teams selected through a sophisticated seeding process.
The top two finishers automatically advance to the knockout round, while the eight best-performing third-place teams also secure their spots in the round of 32.
The Group Stage Draw: December 5, 2025
The official FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Draw will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT, 5:00 p.m. GMT) and will be attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other dignitaries.
How the Group Stage FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Draw Works
The 48 qualified teams are distributed across four seeding pots of 12 teams each:
- Pot 1 (Seeded Teams): Typically, the 12 highest-ranked teams plus the three host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Pot 2, 3 & 4: Remaining qualified teams ranked in descending order
Six placeholder spots in Pot 4 remain reserved for teams that will emerge from playoff rounds scheduled for March 2026.
Seeding and Geographical Restrictions
Teams are drawn sequentially from each pot into groups while adhering to strict geographical rules:
- Maximum one team per group from CONMEBOL, CAF, AFC, and OFC confederations
- Exception for UEFA: A maximum of two European teams may occupy the same group due to Europe’s 16 qualifying spots
- Host nation placement: USA is pre-assigned to Group D, Canada to Group B, and Mexico to Group A
This balanced approach ensures competitive groups while preventing continental consolidation that could disadvantage teams.
Draw Procedure
- Pot 1 is drawn first, with teams assigned sequentially to Groups A through L
- Pot 2 is drawn in the same manner, avoiding groups already containing teams from the same confederation (with UEFA exception)
- Pot 3 and Pot 4 follow the identical process
- A computer algorithm manages group assignments to ensure compliance with all geographical restrictions
After all the qualified teams are confirmed by March 2026, the final matchday schedule will be created and announced.
The 2026 World Cup Ticket System Overview
The 2026 World Cup expects over 6.5 million spectators across 104 matches at 16 venues (11 in the USA, 3 in Mexico, 2 in Canada).
FIFA has implemented a multi-phase ticketing system unprecedented in World Cup history.
Four-Phase Ticket Release Schedule
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw (September 10-19, 2025)
An exclusive presale window exclusively for Visa cardholders (Visa Credit, Debit, and Prepaid cardholders).
Over 4.5 million fans applied worldwide, competing for approximately 1 million tickets across all 104 matches.
Winners were notified via email starting September 30, 2025, with designated purchase time slots scheduled for October. Visa was the only accepted payment method during this period.
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (October 27-31, 2025)
Open to all fans worldwide, with 1 million additional tickets offered. Lottery registration occurred from October 27 at 11:00 a.m. until October 31 at 11:00 a.m.
Random winners received email notifications with 24-48 hour purchase windows in mid-November through early December.
North American residents received dedicated purchase windows for matches in their respective countries before international availability.
Phase 3: Random Selection Draw (After December 5, 2025)
Following the group stage draw, a third sales phase begins with tickets for specific confirmed matchups. Fans can apply for matches involving their favorite team or specific venues.
Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served Sales (Spring 2026)
Remaining tickets become available on a first-come, first-served basis closer to the tournament, allowing last-minute purchases.
Ticket Pricing Structure
FIFA implemented dynamic pricing based on match stage and demand:
| Match Type | USD Price Range |
|---|---|
| Opening Match | $353 – $706 |
| Group Stage | $82 – $259 |
| Round of 16 | $118 – $318 |
| Quarter-Finals | $235 – $494 |
| Semi-Finals | $412 – $1,118 |
| Final | $706 – $1,882 |
Purchase Restrictions and Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years to purchase (13+ for FIFA ID account creation)
- Purchase limits: Maximum 4 tickets per match, with an aggregate limit of 40 tickets per person for the entire tournament
- One official platform: FIFA’s website at fifa.com/tickets is the sole authorized ticketing channel
- Payment method: Visa serves as the primary payment during presale phases
- No stadium sales: Tickets will not be available for purchase at venues during the tournament.
Registration Process
- Create FIFA ID at fifa.com/tickets (required for all purchasers)
- Complete personal details: Full name, date of birth, country of residence, email address.
- Opt into notifications for ticket sale announcements.
- Enter lottery applications during specified windows.
- Monitor email for winner notifications and assigned purchase times.
Premium Options
Hospitality Packages have been available since May 2025, offering VIP experiences starting at $1,350 per match and ranging up to $73,200 for comprehensive packages. These include premium seating, catering, and exclusive facilities.
FIFA+ Collect Digital Collectables provide “Right to Buy” (RTB) presale access for holders of specific digital tokens.
Resale Platform
FIFA introduced an official resale platform for legitimate ticket transfers. However, secondary market prices have skyrocketed, with some tickets reselling for over 10 times face value. FIFA charges buyers and sellers each a 15% fee on resale transactions.
Key Timeline and Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 10-19, 2025 | Visa Presale Draw window |
| September 30, 2025 | Visa winner notifications begin |
| October 2025 | Visa winners purchase during assigned slots |
| October 27-31, 2025 | Early Ticket Draw window |
| Mid-November 2025 | Early Ticket Draw winners purchase |
| December 5, 2025 | Official Group Stage Draw |
| December 2025 | Third-phase random selection draw |
| Spring 2026 | First-come, first-served sales |
| May 25, 2026 | Player release date to national teams |
| June 11, 2026 | Tournament begins (Opening match in Mexico City) |
| July 19, 2026 | Final match (MetLife Stadium, New Jersey) |
Critical Tips for Securing Tickets
- Register Early: Create your FIFA ID immediately at fifa.com/tickets, even if not entering current lotteries, to be prepared for future phases
- Official Channels Only: Avoid unofficial vendors and unauthorized resellers to prevent scams and ticket invalidation
- Have Realistic Expectations: With millions of applicants competing for limited inventory, selection probability remains low for casual fans
- Follow National Association Ballots: Several national football associations allocate 8% of stadium capacity through their own ballot systems before public sales
- Monitor Email Closely: Missing a 48-hour purchase window means losing your opportunity and missing out on your allocated tickets
Group Stage FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents an unprecedented expansion featuring revolutionary ticketing mechanisms and a refined 12-group format designed for competitive balance.
Getting tickets can be tough with such high global demand, but knowing the multi-phase release schedule, registration steps, and geographical draw rules can help fans improve their chances.
The December 5 group stage draw will determine each nation’s opponents and venue locations, setting the stage for one of football’s most exciting tournaments spanning three countries for the first time in history.
What is the World cup 2026 group stage ticket price?
The starting price for group-stage tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is US$60.
What is the World cup 2026 group stage ticket resale price?
The resale price for group-stage tickets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is estimated at about US $70 to US $1,100+, depending on seat category and demand.
