FIFA World Cup Ticket Countdown: A Fan’s Week-By-Week Survival Guide

Meghan N
Sep 10
2 min read

The countdown is on: tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are officially going on sale this week. With the tournament coming to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, demand will be massive, and FIFA’s new dynamic pricing model means that timing is everything.

Here’s your week-by-week guide to navigating the lottery, presales, and general sales—so you can secure your seat in soccer history.

Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw (September 10–19, 2025)

Applications open: September 10
Deadline to enter: September 19
Eligibility: Must be 18+ with a Visa card and FIFA ID
Notifications start: September 29
Purchasing window opens: October 1

Tickets start around $60 for group-stage games but can surge as high as $6,730 for the final. Thanks to FIFA’s dynamic pricing system, prices can change in real time based on demand. Each person can buy up to 4 tickets per match and 40 across the tournament.

Link to Presale Draw

Survival tip: Don’t wing it. Have your FIFA ID and Visa details ready before you enter, and map out which city or match you’ll prioritize.

Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (October 27–31, 2025)

If you missed the Visa presale or didn’t get selected, your next shot comes here.

Applications open: October 27–31
Purchase windows: Mid-November through early December

Survival tip: Set a calendar alert now so you don’t miss the application window. Broaden your options—if you’re flexible about location, your chances improve.

Phase 3: Post-Draw Applications (After December 5, 2025)

Once the final group-stage draw happens on December 5, fans will know which teams are playing where. That opens a third application phase.

This is the most targeted chance to chase your dream matchup—say Argentina vs. Germany in New York, or Brazil in LA—but competition will be intense.

Survival tip: Be decisive. Enter as soon as applications open, because this is when everyone wants in.

The Final Push: First-Come, First-Served

After the three draw phases, FIFA will release any remaining tickets on a first-come, first-served basis closer to kickoff.

Survival tip: This is for the fast-clickers. Stay plugged into FIFA’s official channels and be ready to act instantly if you’re still ticket-hunting.

Dynamic Pricing: The Wildcard

FIFA’s embrace of dynamic pricing means tickets are more like airline seats than sports stubs. Prices fluctuate with demand—sometimes skyrocketing.

FIFA says it’s standard in North American sports markets, but fans and critics argue it locks out everyday supporters in favor of those willing to pay big.

Survival tip: If you’ve got your heart set on a high-demand match, buy early. If you’re chasing value, you could gamble on later phases—but there are no guarantees.

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