Soccer fever is ramping up across North America as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer, and fans are already jostling for a spot in the stands. Starting February 10, 2026, a select group of cardholders are getting a head start: Chase Sapphire credit card members now have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets for the most anticipated soccer tournament on the planet. For those with a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, or J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, the doors to the global spectacle are swinging open just a bit earlier than for everyone else.
The tournament, set to unfold across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June through July 2026, is already breaking records before a single ball has been kicked. With a whopping 48 national teams set to compete—making it the largest World Cup in history—demand for tickets is nothing short of astronomical. FIFA has reported that more than 500 million ticket requests flooded in during the most recent application phase, which opened in December 2025 after the official draw and closed in January 2026. In early February, hopeful fans learned whether their applications were accepted, partially accepted, or unsuccessful, setting the stage for this exclusive new sale window.
So, how does this early access work? According to CNN Underscored, Chase Sapphire cardholders can purchase up to four tickets per match across all U.S. host cities, with a cap of 40 tickets for the entire tournament. The sale opens at 11 a.m. on February 10 and runs through February 24, 2026, or until the tickets are snapped up—whichever comes first. It’s a first-come, first-served frenzy, so fans are encouraged to act quickly. To buy tickets, eligible cardholders must open a free account with FIFA, then visit the Chase Sapphire Experiences site to verify their card and receive a unique link redirecting them to FIFA’s official ticketing system.
And what about the cities in the spotlight? U.S. host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City (Missouri), Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle. Houston, for instance, is set to host seven matches at NRG Stadium between June 14 and July 4, 2026, while the tournament itself kicks off on June 11 and concludes with the final in New Jersey on July 19. The U.S. men’s national team is guaranteed a raucous home crowd, playing group-stage matches on June 12 in Inglewood, California, against Paraguay; June 19 in Seattle against Australia; and June 25 in Inglewood against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Should the team advance, American fans can expect even more action to come.
While the excitement is palpable, there’s a catch: tickets can’t be purchased using Chase Ultimate Rewards points. All sales must go through the official FIFA ticketing platform, and prices are already raising eyebrows. For example, as of February 10, prices for the U.S. versus Paraguay match in Los Angeles started at a jaw-dropping $1,292, while tickets for Qatar versus Switzerland in Santa Clara were priced from $402. It’s no wonder fans have grumbled about FIFA’s pricing, but with the tournament’s popularity at an all-time high, the demand appears undeterred.
Chase isn’t the only company offering exclusive ticket access. Other brands, including Verizon, have rolled out their own World Cup promotions, giving select customers a shot at attending the world’s biggest sporting event. Meanwhile, Visa cardholders are also slated for early access to ticket sales, further fueling the competition among fans eager to secure their seats.
For those still weighing their credit card options, the Chase Sapphire lineup stands out for its travel perks and rewards, though it doesn’t offer bonus points for sporting event purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, with a $95 annual fee, delivers 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries, and 2x on other travel. Its welcome offer is enticing: 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, meanwhile, is a luxury option with a $795 annual fee, offering 8x points on travel through Chase Travel, 4x on flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x on dining. Its introductory offer tops out at 125,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first three months, plus perks like a $300 annual travel credit and airport lounge access. The business version mirrors these benefits, making it a strong choice for frequent travelers and small business owners alike.
However, if maximizing rewards on sports tickets is the priority, other cards may offer better value. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, for instance, provides 3% cash back on entertainment—including sports tickets—without an annual fee. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also grants access to World Cup ticket sales (beginning February 12), and while its $395 annual fee is notable, perks like airport lounge access and flexible rewards make it an appealing alternative. Flat-rate cash-back cards such as the Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash also offer 2% back on all purchases, though they do charge foreign transaction fees and don’t provide bonus points for sporting events.
Still, for many fans, the chance to witness World Cup history in person is worth every penny. As Alberto Riva, Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored and a longtime Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, observed, "This year, the most-watched sporting event in the world — which takes place every four years — is the largest it’s ever been, with 48 national teams taking part." The magnitude of the event, coupled with the exclusive access provided by credit card promotions, is creating a perfect storm of anticipation and urgency.
The process for securing tickets is straightforward but requires attention to detail. After verifying eligibility on the Chase Sapphire Experiences site, cardholders receive a unique link to the FIFA portal—one that should be saved or copied, as each cardholder can only receive up to two links. With tickets limited to four per match and a total of 40 for the tournament, fans are strategizing their purchases, hoping to catch as many games as possible. But with the clock ticking and demand sky-high, hesitation could mean missing out entirely.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, the scramble for World Cup tickets is a story of privilege, preparation, and passion. With exclusive sales windows, eye-popping prices, and a record-setting number of teams and matches, the 2026 tournament is shaping up to be a landmark in soccer history. For American fans especially, hosting the world’s best on home soil is a once-in-a-generation opportunity—and the race to secure a seat has never been more intense.
Whether you’re a diehard supporter or a newcomer to the beautiful game, the next few weeks are crucial for anyone hoping to be part of the action. With exclusive ticket sales underway and the world’s eyes fixed on North America, the stage is set for an unforgettable summer of soccer. Let the games—and the ticket hunt—begin.