FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Phase 3: Dates, Prices and How to Apply
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching quickly, and demand for tickets continues to rise worldwide. FIFA has already sold nearly two million tickets across the first two sales phases. Phase 3 ticket sales open on December 11, 2025 and represent one of the most important opportunities for fans to buy tickets at face value.
Phase 3 is especially significant because all matchups are now confirmed. The Final Draw took place on December 5, 2025, allowing fans to apply for tickets knowing exactly which teams will face each other.
Unlike first-come, first-served sales, Phase 3 uses a lottery system that gives every applicant an equal chance.
What Is the Random Selection Draw?
Phase 3 operates under FIFA’s Random Selection Draw system. This lottery ensures that the timing of your application does not affect your chances. Applying on the first day offers no advantage over applying near the deadline.
Once the application window closes, FIFA randomly selects successful applicants. Notifications are sent in February 2026, and payment cards are charged automatically for all awarded tickets.
This method differs from Phase 4, which relies on speed and availability rather than randomness.
Phase 3 Key Dates and Timeline
Application opens on December 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM ET (5:00 PM CET) Application closes on January 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET (5:00 PM CET) Results notifications are sent in February 2026 Payments are processed automatically for successful applications
Fans have more than one month to plan and submit their applications without impacting their odds.
How to Apply for Phase 3 FIFA World Cup Tickets
Step 1: Create a FIFA ID
Visit FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID if you do not already have one. Fans who applied in earlier phases can reuse their existing account.
Step 2: Choose Your Matches
Browse all available matches starting December 11 and select the games you want to attend. Applying for multiple matches improves the likelihood of receiving tickets.
Step 3: Select Seating Category
Choose from four seating categories based on budget and viewing preference. Lower categories cost less but remain fully valid tickets.
Step 4: Select Number of Tickets
You may request up to four tickets per match. All tickets allocated must be purchased together.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Confirm all details carefully and submit your application before January 13, 2026.
Step 6: Wait for Results
FIFA sends confirmation emails in February 2026 indicating whether your application was successful.
Step 7: Accept All Tickets
If selected, you must purchase all allocated tickets. Partial acceptance is not allowed.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary based on match importance, venue, and demand. Early group-stage matches offer the best value, while knockout rounds and the final command premium pricing.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Price Table (Phase 3)
| Match Stage | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Group Stage | $60 – $230 |
| Round of 32 | $100 – $400 |
| Round of 16 | $150 – $600 |
| Quarterfinals | $300 – $1,200 |
| Semifinals | $420 – $2,780 |
| Final | Up to $6,730 |
Seating Category Breakdown
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Lower-tier midfield seating with premium views |
| Category 2 | Upper and lower tiers outside midfield |
| Category 3 | Upper-tier seating with standard views |
| Category 4 | Upper-tier corners and behind goals |
Prices increase significantly for high-demand teams and matches in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.
Purchase Limits and Restrictions
FIFA enforces strict ticket limits to maintain fair access.
A maximum of four tickets per household per match A maximum of 40 tickets per household across the entire tournament
Households are defined by postal address. Creating multiple FIFA IDs does not bypass these limits.
PMA Supporter Tickets
Participating Member Association supporter tickets allow fans to sit with fellow national team supporters.
Each national football federation controls its own allocation and eligibility requirements. These may include supporter club membership, citizenship, or residency verification.
Supporter ticket applications begin December 11 and follow federation-specific processes.
What Happened in Previous Ticket Phases?
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw
This phase ran from September 10 to September 19, 2025 and was limited to Visa cardholders. Winners began purchasing tickets in October.
Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw
Phase 2 ran from October 27 to October 31, 2025 and was open to all fans. Host nation residents received priority access in mid-November.
Nearly two million tickets were sold across the first two phases, with buyers from more than 200 countries.
What Comes After Phase 3?
Phase 4: Last-Minute Sales
Phase 4 launches in spring 2026 and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket availability is limited and sellouts are expected within minutes.
Phase 3 offers significantly better odds than Phase 4.
Resale Market and Secondary Options
FIFA Official Resale Marketplace
FIFA’s official resale platform opened in October 2025. For matches in the United States and Canada, sellers may list tickets at any price.
Prices for popular matches often exceed several thousand dollars.
Hospitality Packages
Hospitality packages guarantee tickets and include premium seating, lounges, and food and beverages. Prices start in the thousands per person.
Avoid Unauthorized Sellers
Only FIFA.com is authorized to sell World Cup tickets directly. Third-party sellers frequently offer invalid or fraudulent tickets.
Tournament Details to Know
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 A total of 104 matches will be played 48 national teams will participate The opening match takes place in Mexico City The final is hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
Matches are spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Important Requirements and Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid payment card. Match tickets do not guarantee entry into host countries.
Fans must independently meet visa and travel requirements for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Tickets
Apply for multiple matches Be flexible with seating categories Target lower-profile group stage games Focus on one geographic region Prepare backup plans in case the lottery fails
Why Phase 3 Matters
Phase 3 offers the best balance of fairness, availability, and pricing. Team matchups are confirmed, prices remain at face value, and the lottery system removes speed-based competition.
With only one sales phase remaining, Phase 3 represents the strongest opportunity for fans to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup without paying inflated resale prices.
Phase 3 opens on December 11 at FIFA.com/tickets and closes on January 13. Fans should prepare their FIFA ID and payment details in advance to maximize their chances of securing tickets for the biggest World Cup in history.
