Football fever is officially underway as more than 4.5 million fans from around the globe entered the Visa Presale Draw for the first phase of FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sales.
The draw, which ran for ten days, marks the beginning of what promises to be the most expansive and inclusive World Cup in history, set to unfold across Canada, Mexico, and the United States in June and July next year.
Fans from a staggering 216 countries and territories submitted applications, with the highest demand coming from the host nations, led by the United States, followed by Mexico and Canada.
Rounding out the top ten were Germany, England, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and Italy, underscoring the tournament’s truly global appeal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the numbers as “a strong statement,” emphasising that the 2026 edition will unite fans like never before. With 48 teams competing in 16 cities, the tournament is expected to break attendance records and redefine the World Cup experience.
Applicants will begin receiving notifications about their draw status starting Monday, 29 September. Those selected will be assigned time slots beginning Wednesday, 1 October to purchase tickets, though availability is not guaranteed.
Group-stage tickets start at just USD 60, with options for single matches, team-specific packages, and venue bundles.
In a move to protect fans, FIFA will launch an official resale platform on Thursday, 2 October via FIFA.com/tickets, ensuring secure ticket exchanges in compliance with local laws. Mexican residents will also gain access to a dedicated Ticket Exchange Platform.
The next ticketing phase—the Early Ticket Draw—opens Monday, 27 October. Fans can also explore hospitality packages, which include premium match access, at FIFA.com/hospitality.
FIFA urges fans to avoid unofficial sellers and stick to FIFA.com/tickets for authentic purchases. With anticipation building, the race to be part of football’s biggest stage has truly begun.
