How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: A Complete Travel Guide

The World Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a passport stamp in motion. And for soccer-obsessed globe-trotters (or football-obsessed, depending where you hail from), it can be a 90-minute crescendo in the middle of a week spent wandering through new cities, flavors, and cultures.

In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will unfold across three countries for the first time—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—turning North America into one sprawling, exhilarating stage for the world’s most beloved sport. It’s the ultimate ticket to adventure for travelers who crave the pulse of a crowd as much as they do a skyline at sunset or a post-match mezcal in a hidden rooftop bar. But how do you get in? Where do you get tickets? And once you have them, how do you turn a soccer match into the trip of a lifetime? Let’s break it all down, one question at a time.

When is the FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place at Mexico City‘s legendary Estadio Azteca. It’s a fitting place to start—a cathedral of soccer history, nestled in a city brimming with art, energy, and a culinary scene that could rival the tournament’s grandeur. Over the following month, 48 teams will compete across North America in the biggest World Cup to date. After 104 matches, the tournament will conclude on Sunday, July 19, 2026; the final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just a short train ride from Manhattan.

When do tickets go on sale, and how can I get them?

Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026 officially began on September 10, 2025, launching what’s expected to be the most sought-after ticketing event in sports of all time. The first phase of sales was accessible to Visa cardholders, who registered for a FIFA Ticketing Account and applied through a random draw. Those selected received email notifications granting them a purchase window in October. Out of 4.5 million applicants worldwide, only a fraction had the first chance to buy, but millions more are already preparing for the next opportunity.

The early rounds of public sales run through the fall, beginning with a lottery-style draw that closes on October 31. A second lottery phase, called the early ticket draw, opens in early November, and continues with purchase time slots through early December. The final random selection phase begins after the World Cup draw, on December 5, when the full match schedule will be revealed. (As of now, fewer than half of the 48 teams have qualified, meaning that aside from the host nations of United States, Canada, and Mexico, no one knows where—or when—they’ll be playing.) Sales will shift to a first-come, first-served format in spring 2026.

Tickets are divided into four categories, ranging from the best seats in the stadium to upper-deck views. Prices start around $60 for group-stage matches and reach as high as $6,730 for the final, with dynamic pricing ensuring that costs fluctuate based on demand. For fans seeking flexibility, FIFA will open an official resale platform closer to the tournament. Tickets can also be purchased now through verified resellers like StubHub and SeatGeek.

Several brands are also offering alternate paths to the games. American Airlines AAdvantage members have been able to redeem miles for tickets since October 13, while Verizon customers will receive surprise ticket drops and perks through the company’s app. Hospitality packages, available through FIFA’s official partner, On Location, have been on sale since May and include options ranging from single-match luxury experiences to comprehensive “Follow My Team” and “Venue Series” packages that come with access to multiple games, often paired with premium seating, dining, and lounges. Prices start in the low four-figures and climb up depending on the scale of your experience. Think of them as all-access passes to the best games, with a velvet-rope travel twist.

Where are the matches taking place, and where should I stay?

Matches will take place in sixteen cities across three countries: 11 in the United States, two in Canada, and three in Mexico. Each host city offers a distinct flavor of football and travel, whether it’s beachside glitz, mountain views, or urban grit.

Mexico

In Mexico City, where the tournament kicks off, fans can stay in the chic neighborhoods of Condesa or Roma, where colonial architecture meets contemporary design. Estadio Azteca, the opening venue, sits in the southern part of the city, easily accessible by car or ride-share. The hotel options here are diverse, but consider boutique accommodations like the Nima Local House Hotel or the more luxurious Four Seasons Mexico City for proximity and comfort.

US

MetLife Stadium is technically in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but most visitors will likely stay in Manhattan in New York for a mix of sightseeing and convenience. Hotels in Midtown or near Penn Station offer direct train access to the stadium. Try the Moxy Times Square or the Ace Hotel for stylish, centrally located picks that balance access with aesthetics.

Los Angeles’s SoFi Stadium will also host several matches. If you’re heading to LA, Santa Monica offers beachy, walkable vibes, while Downtown LA is better for nightlife and easier transit to the stadium via car.

AT&T Stadium sits in Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, so consider basing yourself in either city depending on your travel style. The Joule in Dallas or Hotel Drover in Fort Worth are both solid bets.

Canada

Toronto and Vancouver will be the Canadian host citise, offering clean, efficient public transportation and walkable downtowns. In Toronto, book a spot near Union Station for easy movement around the city like the Fairmont Royal York or the One King West Hotel & Residence. Vancouver’s BC Place is located in the heart of downtown, steps from waterfront parks and boutique hotels like the Loden or the Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Wherever you go, accommodations will fill quickly once tickets are confirmed, especially in cities hosting knockout stage matches, so book as early as possible and consider refundable options if your itinerary is still in flux.

How can I travel to multiple games?

Traveling between matches in North America will present both a challenge and an opportunity. With cities thousands of miles apart, planning is everything. The fastest way to jump between host cities will be by air—many US and Canadian hubs are well-connected via short-haul flights. If you’re following your favorite team across the group stage or hoping to catch marquee matchups, this will likely be your go-to method of transportation.

That said, regional clusters exist. Philadelphia, New York, and Boston are within a few hours of each other by train. Dallas, Houston, and Kansas City can be linked by domestic flights with relatively short travel times. Mexico’s three host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey—are connected by inexpensive domestic flights and efficient bus routes. For the ultra-ambitious, you can even design a route that crosses borders: think Toronto to New York to Miami, or Vancouver to Los Angeles.

Visas and entry documents are key considerations here. While US and Canadian citizens will face minimal travel friction, international visitors should check whether they need electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) for Canada or visas for the US or Mexico. It’s also wise to build in buffer days between matches if you plan to city-hop—airline delays and immigration queues can be unpredictable.

Do tickets grant access to multiple games, or just one?

Most standard tickets are valid for one match only. If you’re buying a general admission ticket, you’ll need a separate ticket for each game you want to attend. That means if you’re planning to catch four matches in four cities, you’ll be making four separate purchases.

However, FIFA’s hospitality and travel packages offer bundled options for fans who want more comprehensive access. The “Venue Series” package lets you attend multiple games in one city—perfect if you want to base yourself in Los Angeles or Toronto for a week and soak in the full atmosphere. The “Follow My Team” series allows you to watch your favorite team in action in every group-stage and round-of-32 match, regardless of where they are played. These packages not only streamline the ticketing process but often include perks like lounge access, in-stadium dining, and concierge services. It’s important to note that while these packages offer convenience, they don’t include flights or hotels—so you’ll still need to handle the logistics.