Fans will get their first real chance to secure seats for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the main ticket ballot opens at 16:00 GMT on Thursday.

2026 World Cup

According to BBC Sport, FIFA’s pricing model has already come under fire, with Football Supporters Europe warning of record-high prices and major financial risks for travelling supporters. Earlier sales phases saw ticket prices range from £45 to £5,915.

How the Ballot Works

  • Fans can apply for tickets for any match via FIFA’s official website.
  • Each household can request up to 4 tickets per match and a maximum of 40 tickets for the tournament.
  • Applications close on January 13, 2026.
  • Applying early gives no advantage — all tickets remain available until the window closes.
  • After the deadline, FIFA will run a lottery to decide who gets tickets. Notifications will be sent in February, and successful applicants will be charged automatically.

Pricing

  • FIFA says no dynamic pricing will be used during this phase.
  • Prices shown on day one will remain the same until the closing date.
  • Costs will still vary based on fixture demand.
  • Official price lists haven’t been released yet, but fans will see exact prices when the ballot opens.

About the 2026 World Cup

The tournament — co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and a packed match schedule across North America.

This main ballot is the first major ticket opportunity since the draw and full schedule were unveiled.