Olé! The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, promising the largest tournament yet — with 48 teams participating and three host nations.
If you’re hoping to attend a match (or several) during next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, now’s your chance. The first round of ticket sales has begun — sort of.
Thanks to FIFA’s partnership with Visa, the first tickets are available exclusively to Visa cardholders. Here’s everything you need to know to snag tickets during this and future ticket drops.
Related: Best Visa credit cards
How to get tickets during the Visa Presale Draw
Fans can already purchase 2026 World Cup hospitality packages, which include match tickets, on FIFA’s site. However, buying tickets alone is a little more complicated.
The first phase of ticket purchases, the Visa Presale Draw, opened Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Why is it called a “draw” and not a “sale,” you ask? Because if you “win” the draw, you’ll get a chance to buy tickets at a later date — though there’s no guarantee tickets will be available during your assigned time slot.
The draw will close at 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 19. The day and time at which you enter the draw will not affect your chances of success, so don’t worry about rushing to FIFA’s site right away.
According to the site, “In order to enter the draw, you must be the cardholder (primary or secondary) in good standing of a valid, unexpired Visa debit card, credit card, or reloadable prepaid card enabled with 3D Secure.”
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Unfortunately, holding the right card is just the first of many hoops you must jump through to score tickets during this round.
First, head to this page and click “Learn more” under “Tickets.”
You’ll then be asked to fill in a captcha, after which you’ll join a queue to enter the draw. That’s right, you must wait in line to put your name into a virtual hat in order to possibly win a chance to buy tickets.
While you’re waiting — or before entering the draw — be sure to register for a FIFA ID here. You’ll need it (and your eligible Visa card) when it comes time to enter the draw.
Several TPGers have tried to enter, with mixed results. Some timed out while they were in the queue. I made it through the queue after about an hour and a half, then signed in with my FIFA ID only to find an error message. One lucky editor managed to actually enter the draw with her Visa card information.
After the draw ends on Sept. 19, a randomized selection process will determine who gets a chance to buy tickets during the first phase. If successful, you’ll be notified via email on or after Sept. 29, and you’ll be given a date and time slot to purchase tickets starting Oct. 1.
During this round of sales, single-match tickets to all 104 World Cup games will be available, with group-stage tickets starting at $60. You’ll also be able to purchase venue-specific and team-specific tickets (i.e., all matches for a specific venue or team).
Related: Visa Infinite: Everything you need to know, from rental car perks to lounge access
What if I don’t have a Visa card or don’t succeed in the draw?
Since FIFA predicted high demand (accurately, based on our experience trying to enter the presale draw), they decided to release tickets in phases. If, for whatever reason, you can’t secure tickets during the presale, you’ll have an opportunity to get tickets during the later phases:
- Phase 2, Early Ticket Draw, will operate like the presale draw (except no Visa card required). The registration window is scheduled for Oct. 27-31.
- Phase 3, Random Selection Draw, will begin shortly after the tournament’s Final Draw on Dec. 5, which will reveal most group-stage matchups. Fans will be able to submit applications for specific matches.
- Closer to the tournament, any remaining inventory will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
FIFA also plans to launch an official 2026 World Cup resale platform later this year, potentially providing another avenue to get tickets.
Related: The best credit cards for sports fans
Bottom line
If FIFA’s complex ticketing process and glitchy website seem to be sucking the joy from the beautiful game, don’t despair. You have until Sept. 19 to enter the Visa Presale Draw (if you have an eligible card), and there will be more opportunities to score tickets in the coming months.
To stay up-to-date on World Cup ticketing phases, be sure to register your interest and create a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets.
