FIFA Announces Third Phase of 2026 World Cup Ticket Sales

FIFA announced on Wednesday that the third phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will commence on December 11. This phase, which begins just six days after the final draw, will allow fans to purchase single-match tickets based on specific matchups.

Moreover, supporters of particular national teams may apply for Participating Member Association (PMA) supporter tickets starting on the same date.

To date, over two million tickets have been sold, with the highest sales recorded among residents of the host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, followed by fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, and France. Fans from 212 countries and territories have participated in the ticket bidding process thus far.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed congratulations to those who have already secured their tickets, stating, “For those who haven’t, a new opportunity begins on Thursday, December 11, just days after the Final Draw in Washington, D.C.”

The tournament will feature 78 matches hosted across eleven U.S. cities, along with games in three Mexican cities and two Canadian cities. The opening match is set to take place in Mexico City on June 11, while the final will occur on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “With 42 teams already qualified, we are witnessing significant global interest as we prepare to determine the match-ups, locations, and scheduling. With the highly anticipated opening match in Mexico City occurring in fewer than 200 days, we are eager to welcome fans to North America next year for the largest FIFA World Cup to date.”

Earlier this month, following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Infantino announced that World Cup ticket holders would be given priority for visa interviews before traveling to the United States for the tournament. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS, aims to assist the Trump administration in managing immigration while ensuring that visitors for the global soccer event can enter the U.S. without complications.

FIFA’s announcement further clarified that “a match ticket does not guarantee admission to a host country,” urging fans to consult the respective government websites of Canada, Mexico, and the United States for entry requirements. Additionally, FIFA recommends that visa applications be submitted as early as possible.

The draw, scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will categorize 48 teams into four pots, from which they will be drawn into twelve groups of four teams. An updated match schedule, detailing stadium assignments and kickoff times, will be released on Saturday, December 6.