FIFA has officially opened applications for the Random Selection Draw for single-match tickets to the 2026 World Cup, giving fans their first chance to secure seats for specific matches now that team schedules and venues have been finalized.
Soccer enthusiasts worldwide have until Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. ET to submit their applications through FIFA’s official ticketing portal. Unlike previous sales phases, this third round allows fans to target individual matches with full knowledge of who’s playing where and when — a critical detail for supporters planning their World Cup experience across North America.
Nearly Two Million Tickets Already Claimed
The ticket rush is already well underway. Nearly two million tickets have been snatched up during previous presale draws, according to FIFA’s announcement. This third phase, which opened at 4 p.m. UK time on December 11, 2025, represents the first opportunity for most fans to secure tickets with certainty about which teams they’ll be watching.
“The timing of a fan’s entry within the window will not affect their chance of success,” FIFA emphasized in their official communication, a point worth noting for those tempted to frantically submit applications the moment sales opened. All fixtures remain available throughout the entire application period, as confirmed by tournament organizers.
Want to get in on the action? You’ll need a FIFA ID. Existing account holders can simply log in at FIFA.com/tickets, while newcomers must create an account before applying. Successful applicants will receive notification via email and have their payment methods automatically charged in February.
Ticket Prices and Availability
While FIFA hasn’t officially published the complete pricing structure, previous indications suggest group stage tickets will start from $60, with premium seats for the final potentially reaching a jaw-dropping $6,730. These figures represent a substantial increase from when the USA last hosted in 1994, when tickets ranged from just $25 to $475, as reported by multiple sources.
There are some practical limitations to keep in mind. Applications are restricted to four tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets per household for the entire tournament, according to guidelines published ahead of the sales phase.
Didn’t get the tickets you wanted in the Random Selection Draw? Don’t despair. FIFA will launch an official Resale/Exchange Marketplace on December 15, 2025, providing a secure platform for fans to buy and sell tickets at face value, helping to combat the inevitable secondary market that typically emerges around major sporting events.
Options for National Team Supporters
For die-hard supporters of specific national teams, there’s an alternative route. Participating Member Association (PMA) Supporter tickets will be available starting December 11 for fans who meet eligibility criteria established by their respective national football associations, as noted in FIFA’s communications.
Those with deeper pockets seeking premium experiences haven’t been forgotten either. Hospitality packages that include tickets are available through On Location, FIFA’s Official Hospitality Provider. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is offering all-inclusive travel packages that bundle tickets with flights and hotel accommodations, providing a turnkey solution for international visitors planning to attend multiple matches across the three host nations.
The 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone as the first tournament to be hosted across three countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — and the first to feature an expanded 48-team format. With matches spread across 16 cities throughout North America, this ticketing phase represents not just access to soccer matches, but the beginning of complex logistical planning for fans hoping to follow their teams throughout the competition.
As the January deadline approaches, millions more fans are expected to join the already substantial queue hoping to witness soccer history in the making — though only time will tell how many will actually secure their seats when results are announced in February.
