The quest for World Cup Tickets has begun! Football fans worldwide now have their first opportunity to secure seats for the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across North America. The initial phase, a Visa Presale Draw, offers Visa cardholders an exclusive chance to witness the expanded tournament. This article details how to navigate this first lottery and maximize your chances of success.
Understanding the First Lottery Phase
FIFA’s decision to employ a lottery system, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, stems from the anticipated overwhelming global demand for World Cup tickets. This phased approach aims to fairly distribute tickets and manage the immense interest from fans worldwide. The first phase, the Visa Presale Draw, is exclusively for Visa cardholders, aligning with Visa’s role as FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner.
Who Can Participate?
Participation in this initial draw is limited to individuals holding a Visa card. As stated on FIFA.com/tickets, all fans must first register for a FIFA ID to be eligible. This ensures a streamlined and secure process for all applicants. This presale provides the earliest opportunity to secure tickets, as highlighted by FOX 29 Philadelphia, before they become available to the general public in later phases.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The registration window for the Visa Presale Draw opened on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET), and will remain open until Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET). According to CBS News, notifications to successful applicants are scheduled to commence on September 29, 2025, with ticket purchasing time slots beginning on October 1, 2025. Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
How to Secure Your World Cup Tickets
Navigating the lottery system requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to increase your chances of securing tickets in this first phase.
Step 1: Register for a FIFA ID
Before anything else, visit FIFA.com/tickets and register for a FIFA ID. This is a mandatory step for all applicants, regardless of whether you’re participating in the Visa Presale Draw or future sales phases. This ID will be used to track your application and communicate important updates.
Step 2: Ensure Visa Card Eligibility
Since this is a Visa Presale Draw, you must have a valid Visa card to participate. Ensure your card is active and has sufficient credit available for potential ticket purchases. As Forbes notes, this exclusivity provides Visa cardholders with a significant advantage in securing early access to tickets.
Step 3: Register for the Lottery
During the registration window (September 10-19, 2025), log in to your FIFA ID account and navigate to the ticket application section. Carefully fill out the application form, indicating which matches or packages you are interested in. Be as specific as possible to increase your chances, but also consider applying for a range of options. According to beIN SPORTS, flexibility in your selection can improve your odds of success.
Step 4: Await Notification
After the registration window closes, FIFA will conduct the lottery and notify successful applicants via email, starting on September 29, 2025. Check your email regularly, including your spam folder, to ensure you don’t miss any notifications. The email will contain instructions on how to access your designated ticket purchasing time slot.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Purchase Slot
If selected, you will be assigned a specific date and time to access the ticketing portal and purchase your tickets. Before your slot, review the available tickets and prices, and have your Visa card information readily available. Remember that being selected in the presale draw does not guarantee immediate ticket availability during your assigned purchase slot, as reported by WFAA. Be prepared to act quickly and be flexible with your choices if your initial selections are unavailable.
Understanding Ticket Prices and Subsequent Sales Phases
Knowing the expected ticket prices and understanding the timeline for future sales phases is crucial for planning your World Cup experience.
Ticket Prices and Budgeting
Ticket prices for group-stage matches are expected to start at $60, while tickets for the final match could reach up to $6,730, according to The World Cup Guide. Plan your budget accordingly and be prepared for potential variations in pricing based on match popularity and seat location. Remember to factor in travel, accommodation, and other expenses when planning your trip.
Subsequent Sales Phases
For those who miss out on the Visa Presale Draw or wish to purchase additional tickets, FIFA has outlined subsequent sales phases. These include an “Early Ticket Draw” in October and November 2025, and a “Random Selection Draw” following the official tournament draw in December 2025. Keep an eye on FIFA.com/tickets for updates and registration details for these future opportunities.
Conclusion
Securing tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 requires careful planning and a bit of luck. By following the steps outlined above and staying informed about key dates and deadlines, you can maximize your chances of witnessing the world’s greatest football tournament. Whether you succeed in the Visa Presale Draw or plan to participate in future sales phases, the journey to the World Cup promises to be an exciting one. Good luck, and may the odds be in your favor!
