FIFA Opens Second Phase of World Cup Ticket Sales with Special Access for Host Nations
FIFA has launched the second phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, releasing another 1 million tickets through a lottery system that includes exclusive purchasing slots for fans from the three host countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- Second sales phase offers 1 million additional World Cup tickets
- Special domestic exclusivity time slots for US, Canada, and Mexico residents
- Ticket draw runs through Friday, 11 a.m. Eastern Time
- Over 1 million tickets already sold to fans from 212 countries
Host Country Priority Access
The current ticket draw, which continues through Friday, features dedicated purchasing windows specifically for residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Selected fans from these nations will have the opportunity to buy single-match tickets for games hosted in their home countries.
Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer, stated: “We already have seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, and especially from within the host countries as Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet. This second phase, with its host country domestic exclusivity time slot, will allow us to say ‘thank you’ to these local fans, while ensuring global opportunity as well.”
Purchasing Timeline
Fans from the host countries who enter the draw before Friday’s deadline will be randomly selected for purchasing time slots between November 12-15. Successful applicants will receive notification at least 48 hours before their designated shopping window opens.
Following the domestic exclusivity period, additional fans will become eligible for purchasing slots starting November 17. FIFA confirmed that more tickets will become available in subsequent sales phases.
Initial Sales Data
Residents of the three host nations led initial ticket purchases, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico occupying the top three spots in sales volume. They were followed by England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France in the top 10 purchasing countries.
Ticket Pricing and Availability
The 2026 World Cup will feature 104 matches across 16 North American venues, with approximately 7.1 million total seats available. However, the exact number of tickets available for public sale remains uncertain.
Ticket pricing shows significant variation:
- Category 4 (stadium upper levels): $60 tickets available for at least 40 matches
- Category 1 (premium seats): Majority priced substantially higher
- US opening match in Inglewood, California: Initial prices ranged from $560 to $2,735
- Resale market: One ticket for the US opening match listed at over $60,000
FIFA will implement dynamic pricing for the first time in World Cup history, meaning ticket costs may fluctuate based on demand.
Tournament Context
The 2026 World Cup has already sold over 1 million tickets, with 28 of the 48 qualifying team spots already filled. However, challenges remain regarding visa accessibility for international fans amid changing US immigration policies.
Recent events highlight potential concerns – an international friendly featuring Lionel Messi and World Cup champion Argentina was relocated from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale due to poor ticket sales, which some attributed to immigration policy concerns.
