The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) has announced that the first phase of ticket sales for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup will begin on September 10, 2025. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest in World Cup history.
In a statement released on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that the initial ticket sales will be conducted through a lottery system. Football fans around the world are being encouraged to register their interest and create a FIFA ID via the organization’s official website in advance of the launch. Tickets will not be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis during this phase.
The 2026 edition of the tournament marks a significant expansion of the World Cup format. For the first time, 48 national teams will compete, up from the previous 32, in a total of 104 matches spread over 39 days. The competition will open on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and conclude with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino hailed the upcoming event as “the biggest football event in history,” highlighting the unprecedented scale and global interest surrounding the tournament. “We are thrilled to bring the World Cup to North America in this expanded format,” Infantino said. “We encourage fans to begin preparations now and to take part in what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of football.”
The 2026 World Cup will feature matches across 16 host cities, including major metropolitan centers such as Los Angeles, Toronto, Dallas, and Guadalajara. Organizers are anticipating record-breaking attendance and demand for tickets, with millions expected to apply during the lottery window.
This will be the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries and the first in the United States since 1994. It also marks Mexico’s third time hosting the tournament, while Canada will host World Cup matches for the first time.
FIFA is expected to release more details on ticket categories, pricing, and match schedules in the coming weeks.
