FIFA Opens 2026 World Cup Ticket Applications

Soccer fans worldwide gained their first opportunity to apply for tickets to targeted matches at the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, as FIFA launched the latest phase of its ticket sales process. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature an expanded format with 48 teams competing across 16 host cities from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

This third sales phase, known as the Random Selection Draw, follows last week's group draw and the release of an updated match schedule. For the first time, applicants can select specific games now that teams' paths are set, including potential high-profile clashes such as Lionel Messi leading Argentina against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the quarterfinals in Kansas City, provided both nations advance as group winners. Earlier ticket lotteries were conducted blindly, before qualifications concluded and groups were assigned.

FIFA officials emphasized that success is not guaranteed, as applications enter a lottery system. The draw opened at 11:00 a.m. ET (4:00 p.m. GMT) on December 11 and runs through January 13, 2026. Fans can submit requests anytime during this period via FIFA's website, with entry timing having...