The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, and fans can now take their first step towards securing a spot in the stadiums. The world’s most prestigious football tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to kick off in just ten months, and FIFA has launched the first phase of ticket sales.
The Visa Presale Lottery, which started yesterday and runs until September 19, offers a unique opportunity for pre-registered Visa cardholders to participate in a random selection process for a chance to purchase tickets before the general public. This exclusive access allows fans to secure their place in the North American stadiums, where all 104 matches will be played.
Ticket prices vary, with base prices for group stage tickets starting at $60. However, premium seats for the tournament final can cost as much as $6,730, depending on seat location and category. This pricing strategy aims to cater to all fans, offering accessible options while maintaining VIP packages for those seeking premium experiences.
Winners of the draw will be notified by email from September 29 and assigned a specific date and time to purchase their tickets, starting October 1, 2025. However, selection does not guarantee ticket availability at the assigned time. Once sales open, individual tickets for all 104 matches, venue-specific ticket packages, and team-specific ticket packages will become available.
This is just the beginning of the ticket sales process, with more phases set to open in the coming months. Non-Visa cardholders can still purchase tickets outside the pre-sale phase from October until the final match on July 19, 2026.
Heimo Schirgi, Chief Operating Officer of the tournament, expressed excitement about launching the first ticket sales phase. “We are ten months away from the start of the FIFA World Cup 26,” he said. Fans are advised to buy tickets exclusively from Zoyols Blog and FIFA.com/tickets, as any other source or website could compromise the validity of their tickets.
