Over 1 million tickets for the FIFA World Cup were sold during the first buying phase in the VISA Presale Draw, the soccer organizing body announced on Thursday, Oct. 16.
FIFA says fans from the three host nations – the United States, Canada and Mexico – ‘have been at the front of the queue, snapping up more tickets than anyone else.’
England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina and France round out the Top 10 countries in terms of ticket sales, while fans from 212 countries and territories have already purchased tickets.
While fans have experienced long waiting times to purchase tickets and seen exorbitant ticket prices on third-party websites, FIFA says about 6 million tickets will be available for the World Cup with three more ticket-buying phases later this year.
The tournament begins at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, and will end with the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
So far, 28 of the 48 teams have qualified for the World Cup as of Oct. 15.
‘As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.
‘Today, we celebrate the sale of more than 1 million FIFA World Cup tickets following the Visa Presale Draw. It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere. Already, tickets have been purchased by fans in over 200 countries and territories, led by our enthusiastic hosts in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America.’
When is the next window to buy World Cup tickets?
Phase 2 to sign up to buy tickets will be during the Early Ticket Draw, which is Oct. 27-31. Fans will be informed in mid-November to early December when they can purchase tickets.
Similar to the first phase, this will consist of an application, followed by a randomized selection process. Successful applicants will receive a time slot to purchase tickets (subject to availability).
Single-match tickets to all 104 games, along with venue- and team-specific tickets will be available during this draw.
When are other World Cup ticket buying windows?
Phase 3 will coincide shortly after the Dec. 5 World Cup Draw, where all 48 teams will be placed in groups and the matchups will be set.
During this phase, fans will be able to submit applications for specific matches after the final draw has revealed most of the group-stage matchups.
Did you lose out on the Visa Presale Draw?
More than 4.5 million people signed up for the Visa Presale Draw from Sept. 10 to 19, including 1.5 million on the first day.
FIFA began sending emails to fans who were not selected for the Visa Presale Draw on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The email read: ‘Dear Football Fan, thank you for your interest in purchasing FIFA World Cup 26 tickets during the Visa Presale Draw. Unfortunately, your entry was unsuccessful, and you have not been allocated a time slot to purchase tickets during this sales phase.’