FIFA has initiated a new lottery for tickets to the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. This tournament, the largest in World Cup history, will include matches hosted in various locations, including the Bay Area in California. The demand for tickets is exceptionally high, with over 5 million requests submitted within the first 24 hours of the lottery opening.
The lottery was launched on December 11, 2024, and will remain open until January 13, 2025. FIFA has confirmed that fans can access the ticket platform on December 18 to view pricing for each of the 104 matches scheduled throughout the tournament. The ticket prices vary significantly, influenced by match categories and demand. For example, the most sought-after match, featuring Colombia versus Portugal in Miami on June 27, has tickets priced between $265 and $700.
The dynamic pricing model employed by FIFA has led to fluctuating ticket costs, which have increased since the initial sales phase. Current prices for group stage matches range from $140 to a staggering $2,735. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, ticket prices rise exponentially, with final match tickets ranging from $4,185 to $8,680.
This lottery marks the third phase of ticket sales and operates on a Random Selection Draw system. FIFA has assured participants that their entry timing will not affect their chances of being selected. Fans who participated in previous draws can log in using the same credentials to apply for their preferred matches. It is important to note that even if selected, there is no guarantee that fans will secure tickets for all matches they request. Successful applicants will have their cards charged automatically in February.
The first two rounds of sales have already resulted in the sale of 2 million tickets, raising questions about the availability of tickets in this new lottery phase. Following this lottery, any remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, fans from over 200 countries are eager to secure their place at this historic event. With the combination of dynamic pricing and high demand, the ticketing landscape for the tournament is shaping up to be as competitive as the matches themselves.
