FIFA has confirmed that lottery winners from a staggering 4.5 million ticket applications have been granted access to purchase seats for the 2026 World Cup in North America. With demand already soaring, the tournament — hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada — is set to become the most attended and globally diverse World Cup in history.
The race for tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and demand is nothing short of historic. FIFA announced that lottery winners from an incredible pool of 4.5 million applicants have been granted access to purchase tickets starting this week, with notifications being sent out via email.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the overwhelming response as a landmark moment for the sport.
“These are not only outstanding figures, but also a strong statement,” Infantino said. “The whole world wants to be part of the FIFA World Cup 26, the biggest, most inclusive and most exciting event ever. From Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to countries big and small across every continent, fans are proving once again passion for football truly unites.”
Ticketing Details and Prices
Tickets have been divided into four categories, ranging from premium lower-bowl seating in Category 1 to more affordable upper-level spots in Category 4. Prices start at $60 for group-stage games and can rise to $6,730 for a seat at the final.
For the first time, FIFA will use a dynamic pricing model, meaning costs could fluctuate depending on demand — a move that has sparked debate among fans who fear soaring prices for high-profile fixtures.
Challenges for International Fans
While excitement is building, concerns remain, particularly for overseas travelers. U.S. immigration policies and visa requirements have already prompted questions, especially after tourism officials noted a decline in international visitors this year.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has worked closely with FIFA in the planning stages, added fuel to the debate by suggesting matches could be moved if host cities are deemed unsafe. “If any city we think is going to be even a little bit dangerous for the World Cup, we won’t allow it to go. We’ll move it around a little bit,” Trump said.
Despite such remarks, the U.S. State Department has assured that security — for players, fans, and venues alike — remains a top priority. Authorities are also urging foreign supporters to begin the visa process as early as possible to avoid complications.
Host Cities and Next Ticket Phases
The 2026 World Cup will span 16 host cities across North America, including New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford), Los Angeles (Inglewood), San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara), Dallas (Arlington), Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston (Foxborough) in the U.S., as well as major venues in Mexico and Canada.
FIFA confirmed that ticketing will move into a second phase, known as the “early ticket draw,” running between October 27–31. A third phase — a random selection draw — will follow the World Cup group-stage draw on December 5. Eventually, remaining tickets will shift to a first-come, first-served system, with an official resale platform to be launched by FIFA closer to the tournament.
With record demand, ambitious logistics, and the added excitement of a 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup is on track to be the largest and most inclusive edition in history — and securing a ticket is already proving to be one of the toughest competitions of all.
