2026 World Cup Ticket Sales: Everything You Need to Know

The upcoming World Cup in the U.S. is set to kick off next summer, with ticket sales opening in phases. The first phase will be a presale lottery where applicants can purchase up to four tickets for 10 matches. Following this, there will be two more phases, with the final phase being first-come, first-served after the World Cup draw in December. FIFA estimates around a million tickets will be available in the first phase, out of a total of six million for the tournament.

The tournament will start in Mexico City on June 11 and conclude in East Rutherford, N.J. on July 19. SoFi Stadium in Inglewood will host eight games, including the U.S. team's opener and group-play final. The opponents for these games will be determined after the draw in Washington D.C. Ticket prices will range from $60 for group-stage tickets to $6,730 for the final, with hospitality tickets already on sale at higher costs.

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and 104 games, making it twice as large as the 1994 tournament. FIFA expects to generate over $3 billion from ticket and hospitality sales and aims to break the all-time attendance record. Prices for games may change based on demand, with variable pricing metrics in place. Fans can enter the ticket lottery by registering on FIFA's website with a Visa card, with a random selection process determining successful applicants.

In conclusion, the upcoming World Cup in the U.S. promises to be an exciting event with a large number of tickets available for fans to purchase. The tournament's expanded format and variable pricing strategy aim to maximize attendance and revenue, making it a highly anticipated sporting event.