It’s the world’s biggest party, played out on a football pitch. There’s really nothing like the FIFA World Cup.
In 2026, the tournament will take over North America. Sixteen cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico will host 48 national teams, all chasing the biggest trophy in the sport. Whether you’re dreaming about seeing your country play or just want to soak in the atmosphere, now’s the time to start planning.
BUY NOW: Get tickets to every match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With more teams, more games and more host cities than ever, this World Cup is built for travelers. But because it’s such a massive event, tickets can be tricky to navigate. Even if it feels far away, getting your plans sorted early is the best way to make sure you’re in the stadium when the action kicks off.
Think of this as your guide to 2026 World Cup tickets — how to buy them, what they cost, where games are being played and what to know once you get there.
How to buy FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets
The official place to buy 2026 World Cup tickets is through FIFA. They run ticket lotteries (drawings) in waves ahead of the tournament.
You’ll need a FIFA ticketing account (FIFA ID) to take part. Once you’ve set that up, you can:
- Register for updates and ticket news
- Enter the lottery windows for specific matches or team packages
- Keep an eye on your email for offers and payment deadlines
Outside the official system, you can also find seats on resale platforms like StubHub. That’s where a lot of travelers turn once the initial FIFA windows close or if they want specific dates or cities.
Just keep in mind:
- Prices can be higher or lower than face value
- Listings are from third-party sellers, not FIFA
- Always double-check the details before you buy
BUY NOW: Best prices and seats for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on StubHub
How much are FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets?
Prices vary depending on:
- The round (group stage vs knockout vs final)
- The matchup
- Where you’re sitting in the stadium
Expect cheaper options for early group games and significantly higher prices for knockout rounds and the final. If you’re flexible on city or matchup, you’ll have a much easier time finding something in your budget.
Click through to compare prices and availability across all fixtures:
BUY NOW: Best prices, seats for 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on StubHub
FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures
Here’s the basic timeline so you can line up your travel:
- June 11–27 – Group Stage
- June 28–July 3 – Round of 32
- July 4–7 – Round of 16
- July 9–11 – Quarterfinals
- July 14–15 – Semifinals
- July 18 – Bronze Final (third-place game)
- July 19 – Gold Final (the World Cup final)
If you’re still deciding dates, group-stage games are perfect for a city-based trip (multiple games, more flexibility), while knockout rounds are ideal if you want do-or-die drama.
FIFA World Cup 2026 groups and qualified teams
The full list of groups will be finalized in spring 2026, after qualifying wraps up. The three host nations — USA, Canada and Mexico — are already guaranteed spots.
Here’s how qualifying places are split by confederation:
- AFC (Asia): 8 direct spots + 1 play-off place
- CAF (Africa): 9 direct spots + 1 play-off place
- CONCACAF (North/Central America & Caribbean): 6 direct spots + 2 play-off places
- CONMEBOL (South America): 6 direct spots + 1 play-off place
- OFC (Oceania): 1 direct spot + 1 play-off place
- UEFA (Europe): 16 direct spots
A number of teams have already locked in their place, including powerhouses and rising nations from every region. As more countries qualify, it’ll be easier to build a trip around following your team or picking a city that’s hosting big-name matchups.
For a deeper breakdown, you can check who has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities and stadiums
No matter which city you fly into, you’re never far from a match. Here’s where games will be played:
United States (11 cities)
- Atlanta – Atlanta Stadium
- Boston – Boston Stadium (Foxborough)
- Dallas – Dallas Stadium (Arlington)
- Houston – Houston Stadium
- Kansas City – Kansas City Stadium
- Los Angeles – Los Angeles Stadium
- Miami – Miami Stadium (Miami Gardens)
- New York/New Jersey – New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford)
- Philadelphia – Philadelphia Stadium
- San Francisco Bay Area – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Santa Clara)
- Seattle – Seattle Stadium
Canada (2 cities)
- Toronto – Toronto Stadium
- Vancouver – BC Place Vancouver
Mexico (3 cities)
- Mexico City – Estadio Azteca
- Guadalajara – Estadio Guadalajara
- Monterrey – Estadio Monterrey
If you’re flexible, you can plan a trip around any of these hubs — fly in, catch a couple of games and explore the city between matchdays.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: site and date
The World Cup final will be played at New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, about 14 miles west of New York City. The stadium is usually home to the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets.
- Final date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
If your dream is to be there on the last day of the tournament, build your entire itinerary around the New York/New Jersey area and lock in tickets and accommodation as early as you can.
New York New Jersey Stadium capacity
New York-New Jersey Stadium holds around 82,500 fans, which makes it one of the biggest venues in the tournament. That doesn’t mean tickets will be easy to get — but it does mean more chances for fans from all over the world to be in the building.
MetLife Stadium
You can also look up more details about the stadium, including parking, bag rules and nearby hotels, before you go.
FAQs for 2026 World Cup travelers
When do 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets go on sale?
Ticket sales are split into phases, starting with lottery-style application windows and continuing with additional sales periods closer to the tournament. Expect different waves of ticket availability right up until the World Cup kicks off in June.
Is re-entry allowed at 2026 World Cup matches?
Generally, no. Once you leave the stadium, you can’t come back in on the same ticket unless specifically allowed by local authorities. Plan to have everything you need before you scan in.
What’s the bag policy for World Cup matches?
Exact rules depend on each stadium, but most venues will stick to some version of a clear bag policy with size limits (commonly up to 12" x 6" x 12"). Always check the specific stadium’s website before heading out.
Can I bring flags and banners?
Yes, flags and banners are usually allowed, but with rules. Typically:
- Max size around 78" x 60"
- No political, offensive or discriminatory messages
- No poles, sticks or hard handles
Again, check the local stadium rules to avoid any surprises at security.
Stadium rules for FIFA World Cup 2026
Each venue has its own detailed Code of Conduct, covering things like prohibited items, fan behavior, signage, flags and more. Before you travel, it’s worth taking a few minutes to read through the rules for the stadium you’re visiting so you can focus on the fun stuff — the football, the atmosphere and the trip of a lifetime.