World Cup Ticket Ballot Opens Today: Fans Have Their Shot
Football fans eagerly awaiting the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will have their first opportunity to secure tickets starting today. This ballot marks a significant moment following last week’s draw, which established the group stages and provided essential details about match locations and times.
With nearly two million tickets already claimed in previous sales phases, many supporters now seek to participate in this lottery-like application process. However, applying does not guarantee ticket allocation; it merely enters fans into a random selection draw, a key step toward attending what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.
Why It Matters
The 2026 Men’s World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a landmark event in sports history, drawing global attention and participation. As interest surges, the allocation process can greatly influence fans’ experiences and access to the games. Understanding the ticketing system, including costs and policies, is crucial for many hoping to experience this monumental sporting event.
Key Developments
- Ticket Application Window: Opens today at 4 PM UK time and remains open until January 13, 2026.
- Ticket Limits: Fans can apply for up to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets for the entirety of the tournament.
- Lottery System: Upon closing of the application period, a lottery will determine successful applicants, who will be notified via email in February.
- Ticket Price Range: Costs are expected to start at $60 for group stage matches, potentially reaching as high as $6,730 for final match tickets.
- Resale Marketplace: FIFA has set up a platform for reselling tickets, emphasizing that all transactions should be conducted officially to avoid scams.
- Visa Requirements: International fans need proper documentation to enter the host countries. FIFA has initiated a "FIFA PASS" to expedite visa applications through U.S. consulates.
Full Report
Ticket Application Process
Today marks the opening of the ticket application for the third release phase, known as the random selection draw. Fans interested in attending specific matches can submit applications, but there is no advantage to applying early, as all matches will be available throughout the application window. Ticket applications will only be successful through a lottery system after the window closes.
Pricing for Tickets
While FIFA has not finalized ticket prices, the starting point is anticipated to be around $60 for group phase matches. For the final, tickets could soar to as high as $6,730, a noticeable increase from previous tournaments held in the U.S., where ticket costs ranged significantly lower. Hospitality tickets are expected to be even more expensive, with estimated prices reaching up to $73,200 per person.
Dynamic Pricing Update
Initially, FIFA had considered a dynamic pricing model based on demand, a first for World Cups. However, they have since decided to implement fixed pricing for ticket allocations. This entails securing a set price for different fan categories during the sales phase, a move aimed at ensuring affordability.
Additional Ticket Access Points
Each participating nation is allocated 8% of the ticket sales for their matches, which will be sold through respective fan clubs. Registration for English and Scottish fans closed on December 10, ahead of their ticket application window opening on December 15.
FIFA’s resale market aims to facilitate fans looking to unload unused tickets, but they caution against unofficial websites offering tickets at inflated prices.
Visa and Travel Authorization
For those traveling to the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, securing tickets alone will not suffice; proper visas or travel authorizations are necessary. The FIFA PASS system has been introduced to prioritize these applications, especially for those applying from abroad.
Context & Previous Events
Prior to today’s opening, FIFA had conducted two phases of ticket distribution, where nearly two million tickets were sold without knowledge of specific match alignments. The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar previously saw ticket pricing ranging from $69 to $1,607, showcasing a dramatic increase in costs for the upcoming tournament.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, fans across the globe are encouraged to participate in the ticketing process, while also preparing for travel requirements and potential hurdles associated with the event.
