Fans Can Now Apply for Specific World Cup Match Tickets

Soccer fans can now apply for tickets to specific matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as the organization has opened its latest sales phase. This opportunity follows the recent draw for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the first time, supporters can choose matches they wish to attend, knowing precisely when and where stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play.

The draw has grouped participating nations, clarifying potential matchups throughout the tournament. For example, if both Argentina and Portugal top their groups, fans could witness a thrilling quarterfinal showdown in Kansas City. Despite this new ticketing process, there is no guarantee that fans will secure tickets for their chosen games. The current ticketing phase operates under a “Random Selection Draw,” with applicants notified of their success in early February.

Ticket Application Process

Ticket sales opened on December 11, 2025, at 11:00 ET (16:00 GMT) and will close on January 13, 2026. FIFA states that fans can apply at any time during this period, and the timing of their application does not affect their chances. Each household may apply for a maximum of four tickets per match, with a total limit of 40 tickets for the entire tournament.

To apply, fans must have a FIFA ID and can select their desired matches and pricing categories. There are four pricing categories, with Category 1 offering the best seats. Successful applicants will be automatically charged and notified via email.

Ticket Prices and Concerns

FIFA announced in September that ticket prices would range from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. These prices are subject to change, as FIFA will implement dynamic pricing for the first time at this World Cup. By comparison, during the last U.S. hosted tournament in 1994, ticket prices varied from $25 to $475, while in Qatar in 2022, prices ranged from approximately $70 to $1,600.

In a concerning trend, tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026 are already listed for over $11,000 on secondary resale platforms. FIFA has established its own resale platform, imposing a 15% fee on the total resale price.

Football Supporters Europe, a fan organization, criticized the pricing, labeling it as “extortionate.” They stated that this represents a “monumental betrayal” of the World Cup tradition, emphasizing the importance of supporters in the tournament’s success.

FIFA allocates 8% of tickets to national associations for matches involving their teams, allowing them to sell these tickets to traveling fans. Pricing for these tickets varies, with a list released by the German soccer federation showing prices from $180 to $700 for group-stage matches. The lowest ticket price for the final is noted at $4,185, while the highest reaches $8,680.

As the tournament approaches, FIFA has indicated that any remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The specific timeframe for this sale has yet to be disclosed, but it presents a final opportunity for fans eager to attend one of soccer’s most prestigious events.