How To Buy Tickets for the 2026 World Cup

Football fans across the world are hoping to grab tickets to the sporting event of the year, the FIFA World Cup 2026.

With demand being so high, the 2026 tournament is on course to surpass the iconic 1994 edition and become the most-attended FIFA World Cup in history.

All phases of the FIFA 2026 Random Selection Draw, including the third and final lottery period, have now closed. Fans submitted applications for tickets between December 2025 and January 2026, with more than 500 million requests received worldwide.

While the lottery phase is over, you can still get tickets through official resale platforms or verified resellers. Football Ticket Pad offers guaranteed, verified tickets, providing a safe alternative for those who were unsuccessful in the lottery or missed the application windows. When is the FIFA World Cup? The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the opening match at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca. This historic stadium provides a spectacular start in a city known for its art, energy, and culinary scene.

Over the next month, 48 teams will battle across North America in the largest World Cup ever held. Following 104 matches, the tournament will conclude on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with the final taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a short journey from Manhattan.

How the 2026 World Cup Ticket Phases Work

Tickets have been released in multiple sales phases to manage high demand. These include: Lottery Phase: Fans submitted applications for matches. Selection was random, and not all applicants were successful. First-Come, First-Served: Remaining tickets are sold immediately on a first-come, first-served basis close to the tournament.

Resale Phases: Tickets returned or resold officially by FIFA or verified sellers can be purchased safely. Availability changes across these phases, so it’s important to monitor updates from FIFA and verified sellers.

World Cup 2026 Schedule and Format

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19, 2026. For the first time, the tournament will be hosted across three countries (the United States, Canada, and Mexico) with 48 teams competing in 104 matches over 39 days.

Matches will be held across 16 stadiums in multiple cities, so if you are attending several games, you should plan travel between venues carefully.

During the group stage, teams will be split into twelve groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the newly introduced Round of 32. From that point on, all matches will follow a knockout format.

With 104 matches, the 2026 edition promises more football than ever before. The tournament will culminate with the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026, following a global qualifying phase that runs until March 2026. Host Cities and Stadiums

There will be 16 host cities across three North American countries. The United States will host 11 cities, Mexico will host three, and Canada will host two.

Canada’s host cities are Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico’s are Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara.

The U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Below, we have a table of all 16 FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities with their stadiums and capacities:

Who Has Qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

A total of 48 teams will compete, with slots allocated by confederation:

Europe (UEFA): 16 teams from 55 nations

South America (CONMEBOL)****: 6 direct spots plus 1 play-off place

Asia (AFC): 8 teams, plus a potential ninth via play-offs

Africa (CAF): 9 teams from 53 nations

CONCACAF: 3 automatic spots for hosts (Canada, Mexico, USA), contributing to a total of up to 8 teams

Oceania (OFC): 1 team

Inter-confederation play-offs will determine the final 2 spots

So far, 42 teams have secured qualification, with six remaining places to be decided in March 2026. Once all teams are confirmed, the final draw will set the group stage matchups.

With representation from every corner of the footballing world, the expanded 48-team format promises a variety of matchups and World Cup excitement for fans everywhere.

Who Has Won the World Cup So Far?

The FIFA World Cup has a rich history dating back to 1930, with legendary teams and players leaving their mark on football history. As the reigning champions, Argentina will head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend their 2022 title.

While Argentina is the current king of football, Brazil remains the most successful nation in World Cup history, lifting the trophy five times.

Other multiple-time winners include Italy, Germany, France, and Uruguay, while England and Spain have each lifted the trophy only once. Each World Cup adds a new chapter to the sport’s rich history, setting the stage for new legends.

Below is a complete list of all World Cup winners, showing the year, champion, final score or notes, and runner-up:

Travel, Flights, and Accommodation

Attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup requires careful planning, as matches will take place across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With 16 host cities and 16 stadiums, you should consider travel logistics, accommodation, and local transport when planning their trip. Flights and Transportation

Plan: Domestic flights and long-distance travel between host cities may be in high demand. Book early to get seats and avoid inflated prices.

Multiple cities: If you are attending multiple matches, you should check schedules carefully and allow enough time for travel. Some games may require flights or long drives between venues.

Local transport: Host cities are well connected with public transport, but taxis, ride-sharing, or car rentals may be needed for convenience. Accommodation

Book after getting tickets: Hotels near stadiums will fill quickly, especially in major cities in the USA. Getting match tickets first means you only book accommodation you can use.

Variety of options: From budget-friendly hotels to premium stays and official hospitality packages, there are options for every fan.

Verified booking platforms: Using trusted booking platforms reduces the risk of scams and cancellations.

Travel Tips for International Fans

Visas: If you are travelling to the United States, you may be eligible for the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) to speed up visa processing.

Plan early: Popular host cities may experience increased demand for flights and hotels, so early planning is important.

Stay flexible: Consider alternative airports or nearby cities to reduce travel stress and potentially save on costs.

Ticket Prices

Tickets are available in four categories, from seats on the field to upper-deck vantage points. Prices begin at approximately $60 for group-stage matches and can reach up to $6,730 for the final, with dynamic pricing adjusting costs according to demand. Tickets are currently available through trusted resellers such as Football Ticket Pad. Fan Festivals at the 2026 World Cup FIFA Fan Festivals are free, large-scale public events held in host cities throughout the tournament. It gives you a way to soak up the World Cup atmosphere without needing a match ticket.

They typically involve live screenings of World Cup matches on giant screens with food, drink, and live music or entertainment. They may also include interactive experiences and activities, along with official merchandise stalls and sponsor activations.

They’re designed to be family-friendly, inclusive spaces where fans from around the world can come together.

Fan Festivals are usually free to enter and do not require a match ticket. Some areas or activities may have capacity limits, so arriving early is recommended on busy match days.

While FIFA typically runs Fan Festivals in every host city, final locations, schedules, and opening times will be confirmed closer to the tournament. Your 2026 World Cup Experience Attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup requires planning and awareness of ticketing options. Applying through official channels or trusted platforms like Football Ticket Pad means you can get tickets safely and enjoy the tournament without risk.

Planning travel, accommodation, and tickets in advance also ensures a smooth and unforgettable World Cup experience.