World Cup 2026 Ticket Ballot: How to Apply, Prices, Official Resale, and Travel Info
The main ticket ballot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America opens on Thursday, offering fans their first chance to secure tickets since the draw and schedule were finalized last week.
FIFA’s ticketing strategy has drawn criticism from Football Supporters Europe, which warns of “record high prices” and “huge financial risks” for traveling fans. Earlier sales phases saw tickets priced between £45 and £5,915.
How the Ballot Works
When: Opens Thursday, 16:00 GMT
Where: FIFA’s official website
Limits: Up to 4 tickets per match, max 40 per household for the entire tournament
Deadline: Applications close 13 January 2026
Process: No advantage to applying early. After the window closes, FIFA will run a lottery to allocate tickets.
Notification: Successful applicants will be notified via email in February and automatically charged.
Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing — referred to by FIFA as “variable pricing” — will not apply during the main ballot. Prices are fixed for the application window but vary by match and category based on expected demand.
Official price lists have not yet been released, but earlier phase prices serve as a reference.
Ticket Prices from Earlier Sales Phase
Note: Category 4 tickets are marketed as “accessible,” but availability is limited.
Group Stage (Host City)
Cat 1: £394 – £2,054 | Cat 2: £304 – £1,457 | Cat 3: £162 – £841 | Cat 4: £56 – £421Group Stage (Other)
Cat 1: £293 – £466 | Cat 2: £214 – £349 | Cat 3: £105 – £180 | Cat 4: £45 – £79Round of 32
Cat 1: £300 – £563 | Cat 2: £229 – £432 | Cat 3: £124 – £218 | Cat 4: £79 – £139Round of 16
Cat 1: £481 – £736 | Cat 2: £387 – £590 | Cat 3: £180 – £274 | Cat 4: £139 – £195Quarter-finals
Cat 1: £950 – £1,333 | Cat 2: £667 – £916 | Cat 3: £402 – £601 | Cat 4: £207 – £308Semi-finals
Cat 1: £2,175 – £2,475 | Cat 2: £1,765 – £1,807 | Cat 3: £646 – £699 | Cat 4: £316 – £342Final
Cat 1: £5,915 | Cat 2: £3,797 | Cat 3: £2,851 | Cat 4: £1,525
*Conversion rate: $1 = £0.75*
Other Ways to Get Tickets
1. FA Allocations
Each national federation receives 8% of tickets for their matches.
England and Scotland supporters can apply via their official fan clubs (15 Dec – 13 Jan).
Allocation is based on loyalty points. These tickets cannot be resold.
2. FIFA Resale Platform
FIFA’s official marketplace allows fans to resell tickets.
Sellers set prices; FIFA charges a 15% fee to both buyer and seller.
Warning: Unofficial resale sites may result in cancelled tickets.
3. Hospitality Packages
Premium experiences with lounge access, dining, and prime seating.
“Platinum Access” tier offers exclusive perks (pricing available on request).4. First-Come, First-Served
Remaining tickets will be released closer to the tournament.Dynamic pricing may apply during this phase.
Visa & Travel Requirements
A match ticket does not guarantee entry to the host countries (USA, Canada, Mexico).
USA: UK citizens typically need an ESTA or B1/B2 visa.
Canada: Requires an eTA or visa.
Mexico: Visa-free for UK passport holders.
U.S. embassies are prioritizing appointments for ticket holders but advise applying early. Entry for nationals from countries with U.S. travel restrictions remains uncertain.
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