The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch across North America and beyond. With the tournament set to kick off on June 11 and run through July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, football fans are clamoring for their chance to be part of the sport’s most prestigious spectacle. According to FIFA’s latest update, more than 1 million tickets have already been snapped up, and the numbers are only expected to surge as the event draws nearer.
FIFA revealed on Thursday that these early sales have drawn buyers from a staggering 212 countries and territories. Not surprisingly, the highest demand comes from the host nations—the U.S., Canada, and Mexico—but fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France are also filling out the top ten. With only 28 of the 48 tournament spots currently filled, the global appetite for World Cup action is clear.
“As national teams across the globe compete for a place at the historic FIFA World Cup 26, I am thrilled so many football-loving fans also want to be part of this watershed event in North America,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in an official release. “It’s an incredible response, and a wonderful sign that the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history is capturing the imagination of supporters everywhere.”
For this edition, the World Cup is breaking new ground. Not only will 48 nations compete—up from the previous 32—but the tournament will feature a record 104 matches across 16 venues. That’s roughly 7.1 million seats to fill, though FIFA hasn’t disclosed exactly how many will be available to the public. What is certain: competition for tickets is fierce, and prices are turning heads from coast to coast.
Ticket sales opened earlier this month, and the process has been anything but straightforward. The initial batch of buyers was selected from a pool of 4.5 million applicants through a lottery system, a testament to the event’s overwhelming popularity. For those who missed out, hope is not lost—the next entry period for the ticket draw opens on October 27, with even more opportunities to land seats for all 104 fixtures, including venue- and team-specific packages.
Dynamic pricing, a first for the World Cup, is already making its mark. Prices for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) opening group stage match—opponents still to be determined—ranged from $560 for a Category 4 ticket to a whopping $2,725 for Category 1 during the initial sale. The second group game started at $90 for the cheapest seats, climbing to $535 for the best, while the third group stage match tickets fell between $140 and $805. But with demand surging, prices have already begun to climb, with The Athletic reporting increases of $30 for Category 1 and $20 for Category 3 tickets for the second USMNT group fixture since the start of October. And that’s just the beginning.
Knockout stage tickets follow a similar pattern. For the round of 32, prices start at $105 for Category 4 and rise to $665 for Category 1. The round of 16 sees tickets ranging from $170 to $890, quarterfinals from $275 to $1,690, and semifinals from $420 to $2,780. The third-place match is priced between $165 and $1,000, while the grand final—a golden ticket if there ever was one—will set fans back anywhere from $2,030 to $6,370 based on original pricing. However, all these numbers are subject to change as the dynamic pricing system responds to ongoing demand.
For those unable to secure tickets in the first round, FIFA’s official resale site is now live, offering another shot at attending. But be prepared: prices on the secondary market are eye-watering. As of Thursday, October 16, tickets for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, ranged from $9,538 to a jaw-dropping $57,500 per seat. Even the opening USMNT match in Inglewood, California, saw resale prices soar to $61,642 for a single seat. Clearly, the allure of witnessing history in person comes at a premium.
Fans can choose from four ticket categories, with Category 1 offering the best views and amenities, and Category 4 situated higher up in the stadium. For at least 40 matches, the lowest-priced seats started at $60, but most games are commanding much higher rates. FIFA has yet to release a comprehensive list of ticket prices for each match, a departure from past tournaments, adding another layer of unpredictability for would-be attendees.
With the official draw for the tournament scheduled for December 5, the full schedule and matchups remain a mystery, apart from the host nations’ fixtures. After the draw, a third ticket lottery will open, followed by a first-come, first-served sales phase in spring 2026. Tickets are available exclusively through FIFA’s website and its authorized resale marketplace, ensuring fans have a secure and transparent purchasing process.
Adding to the excitement, NBA star and Real Madrid fan Luka Dončić was announced as an official ambassador for the Southern California matches on October 16. A native of Slovenia and fluent in four languages, Dončić is well-positioned to welcome the world to Los Angeles. “I’ve always been a football fan,” Dončić said. “Los Angeles is a great city full of amazing people who love to play and watch every sport. I can’t wait for the World Cup and it’s an honor to help bring people together through a sport that connects so many cultures around the globe.”
With ticket sales shattering records and excitement building by the day, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of soccer. Whether you’re planning to cheer from the stands or follow along from home, one thing’s certain: this tournament is already capturing the hearts—and wallets—of fans worldwide. As the next ticket lottery approaches and dynamic pricing continues to keep everyone on their toes, the race for a seat at the world’s biggest sporting event is just getting started.
