Get Ready! The FIFA World Cup 2026 is Coming – Here's What You Need to Know About Tickets

The biggest sporting event on the planet is getting even bigger! Football fanatics, mark your calendars and start saving, because the FIFA World Cup 2026 is hurtling towards us, promising an unprecedented spectacle across North America. For the first time ever, three nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – will co-host this monumental tournament, expanding to an incredible 48 teams and a staggering 104 matches.

The anticipation is already electric, and if you’re dreaming of witnessing history live, here’s your essential guide to what we know so far about tickets, venues, and dates.

This expanded format means more football, more drama, and more opportunities for nations to compete on the grandest stage.

With 48 teams vying for glory, the group stage itself will feature a thrilling new format designed to maximize excitement and competitive balance, leading into an even more intense knockout phase. It’s a feast for football lovers!

A Continent-Wide Celebration: The Host Cities

The 2026 World Cup will unfold across 16 vibrant cities, each offering its own unique flavor to the global celebration.

Get ready to explore a diverse range of cultures and iconic stadiums:

• United States (11 Cities): Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. These metropolises boast state-of-the-art stadiums and a deep passion for sports.
• Canada (2 Cities): Toronto and Vancouver.

  Canada is ready to showcase its warm hospitality and growing football enthusiasm.

• Mexico (3 Cities): Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey. Mexico, a seasoned World Cup host, will once again open its legendary venues, including the iconic Estadio Azteca.

Key Dates to Remember

Circle these dates in your calendar! The tournament kicks off with an historic opening match on June 11, 2026, at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

This will make Estadio Azteca the first stadium in history to host World Cup matches in three separate tournaments. The grand finale, where the next world champion will be crowned, is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, promising an unforgettable climax to a month-long football carnival.

Securing Your Spot: The Ticket Hunt

As of now, official tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are NOT yet available for purchase.

FIFA traditionally releases ticket information and sales phases much closer to the tournament. However, you can – and should – take proactive steps to ensure you don’t miss out.

The absolute best way to stay informed is to register directly with FIFA. Head over to the official FIFA World Cup 2026 website and sign up for their newsletter and ticket alerts.

This will ensure you receive direct notifications the moment ticket sales phases are announced, which typically include:

• Pre-sales for specific groups: Often for credit card holders or federation members.
• Random Selection Draws: The most common method, where fans apply for tickets and are then drawn at random.
• First-Come, First-Served Phases: Limited opportunities for remaining tickets.
• Last-Minute Sales: A final chance for any unsold inventory closer to the tournament.

Beyond individual match tickets, expect various hospitality packages to become available earlier than standard tickets.

These premium options often include guaranteed seating, exclusive access to lounges, catering, and other perks, and are typically offered through authorized FIFA hospitality providers.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is poised to be an unparalleled celebration of football, culture, and unity. Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity pass you by.

Start planning, sign up for updates, and get ready to be part of history!