With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just months away, excitement is reaching fever pitch as fans across the globe scramble to secure their seats for the historic tournament. For the first time, the event will be hosted across three nations: the USA, Canada, and Mexico, featuring a record-breaking 48 competing countries.
Who's Playing and How to Secure Your Seat
The tournament in June will see four nations—Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—make their World Cup debuts. While England and Scotland have already qualified, the hopes of Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland hinge on the upcoming play-off rounds.
Securing tickets is not a simple first-come, first-served process. FIFA is operating a lottery system, and the crucial first step is to register for a FIFA ID via the official FIFA ticketing portal. The window for registration and ticket applications closes on January 13, so prospective attendees must act swiftly.
Fans can apply for matches and ticket categories of their choice until this deadline. Successful applicants will be notified in late January, with automatic payment taken in February 2026. Any remaining tickets will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis in the spring. Those who miss out initially should monitor the official FIFA resale marketplace for unwanted tickets.
World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices: A Detailed Breakdown
Ticket prices vary dramatically depending on the match's importance and the seat category. There are four main categories, with Category 1 offering premium pitch-side views and Category 4 being the most affordable, often reserved for residents of the host nations.
A new 'Supporter Entry' tier, priced at approximately £45 ($60), will be available for all 104 matches. These are allocated specifically for fans of qualified teams through their national football associations.
Below is the full price guide, converted from US dollars to British pounds:
- Group Stage: £44-£104 (Cat 4/Supporter) | £104-£160 (Cat 3) | £231-£346 (Cat 2) | £305-£461 (Cat 1)
- Opening Matches: From £55+ (Cat 4) | From £149+ (Cat 3) | From £298+ (Cat 2) | From £447 (Cat 1)
- Round of 32: £78 (Cat 4) | £130-£186 (Cat 3) | £260-£335 (Cat 2) | £409-£558 (Cat 1)
- Round of 16: £126 (Cat 4) | £164-£223 (Cat 3) | £335-£447 (Cat 2) | £521-£730 (Cat 1)
- Quarter-finals: £204 (Cat 4) | £372-£521 (Cat 3) | £596-£819 (Cat 2) | £893-£1,322 (Cat 1)
- Semi-finals: £313 (Cat 4) | £670-£894 (Cat 3) | £1,117-£1,639 (Cat 2) | £1,862-£2,455 (Cat 1)
- Final: £1,512 (Cat 4) | £2,079 (Cat 3) | £3,137 (Cat 2) | £5,016 (Cat 1)
Final Call for Football Fans
The race for World Cup 2026 tickets is officially on. With the application deadline of January 13 fast approaching, fans dreaming of witnessing history in North America have just days left to enter the FIFA lottery. Planning and prompt action are essential, as this unique tri-nation tournament promises to be a spectacle unlike any other.
