FIFA World Cup 2026: How to Get World Cup Tickets; Can You Get a US Visa If You Have a Ticket?

Udaipur, Dec 09, 2025: The complete details of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage – including which teams face each other, when, and where – have now been released. Following the announcement of the groupings and full schedule earlier this week, fan interest has reached new heights, with many looking for opportunities to watch the matches live in the stadiums.

The 2026 World Cup will take place across 16 cities in three countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – during June and July. Tickets for the tournament were made available well in advance, and approximately two million tickets have already been sold across two rounds. These tickets were purchased even before the official match schedules, venues, and timings were confirmed.

Nevertheless, fans who were unable to purchase tickets in the initial rounds still have an opportunity to secure entry. According to The Athletic, this article provides all the details regarding the matches, venues, dates, and timings for the group stage.

How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets

There are multiple ways to obtain tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The cost and certainty of obtaining tickets vary depending on the method:

1. Final Lottery

The third and final round of ticket sales will begin on December 11, 2025, known as the third phase of the “Random Selection Draw”. This phase will run until January 13, 2026.

Interested parties must create a FIFA ID on FIFA’s ticketing website. After signing in, they can apply for tickets for specific matches. FIFA will conduct a lottery in February 2026. Some applicants will receive all the tickets they requested, while others may receive none. Those who are successful will have their accounts debited at that time.

2. Last-Minute Purchases

If you miss the lottery or are unsuccessful, there will be another opportunity through “first-come, first-served” or last-minute sales. Tickets remaining after the lottery will be sold in this phase. The exact number of available tickets and the matches for which they are available will be announced later.

3. Resale Market

FIFA has launched a resale platform for tickets. Tickets will also be available on popular resale platforms such as StubHub. Sellers may resell tickets for profit or because they are unable to attend. Prices on the resale market are often higher than the original ticket price.

4. Hospitality Packages

FIFA offers hospitality packages, which include match tickets. These packages are available for advance purchase but are significantly more expensive than standard tickets.

How the Random Selection Draw Works

The random selection draw in this third phase differs from previous rounds. Applicants can now request tickets for specific matches, categories, and prices. There are three possible outcomes:

Successful: You receive all tickets you applied for.

Partially Successful: You receive tickets for some matches, but not all.

Unsuccessful: You do not receive any tickets.

Results will be announced in February 2026, and successful applicants will have the ticket price automatically debited from their account.

Chances of Winning in the Lottery

Your chances depend on the number of applicants for a specific match category. High-demand matches, such as knockout stage games or matches featuring popular teams, will have higher competition. FIFA evaluates each application individually, so applying for multiple matches does not reduce your chances, provided you stay within the maximum limit of 40 tickets per family.

Ticket Prices and Limits

FIFA is using a dynamic pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup. Prices may vary based on demand, especially for matches involving high-profile teams such as Argentina and Brazil. The next price list will be published on December 11, 2025.

Each person can purchase a maximum of four tickets per match and up to 40 tickets per family for the entire tournament. If a group exceeds four people, multiple FIFA IDs will be required, and FIFA’s “seat together” function can help combine groups in limited circumstances.

US Visa Requirements for World Cup Ticket Holders

Possessing a World Cup ticket does not automatically grant a US visa. All visitors must apply for a US visa separately. The US State Department has advised applicants to apply as early as possible, as the process can be long and rigorous.

FIFA, in coordination with US authorities, will offer “FIFA Pass” expedited visa interviews for ticket holders. This system allows FIFA to share ticket holder information with the US State Department, but applicants must still complete the visa process. Interviews will typically be scheduled within 6-8 weeks, but holding a ticket does not guarantee entry into the United States. As FIFA notes: “A match ticket does not guarantee entry to a host country.”