World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Timeline How to Buy Tickets Today
When do World Cup 2026 tickets go on sale?
The next major ticket release for the 2026 World Cup is the Last Minute Sales Phase which begins in early April 2026. Unlike previous lottery phases this April release operates strictly on a first come first served basis. All early ticket lotteries including the Visa Presale and the Random Selection Draw officially closed in January 2026.
The Ticket Panic is Real
Since the Final Draw took place in December fans have been scrambling to secure their seats.
If you are just starting your World Cup 2026 planning you might feel like you missed the boat. The early ticket lotteries are closed but you still have a massive opportunity to secure authentic tickets.
Based on official FIFA announcements here is the exact ticketing timeline for early 2026 and the steps you need to take to get inside the stadium.
- The Closed Sales Phases
To understand the current market you need to know what already happened. FIFA operates in distinct phases. The following ticket windows are completely closed and finished.
- Visa Presale Draw September 2025
- Early Ticket Draw October 2025
- Random Selection Draw December 2025 to January 2026
- Participating Member Association Supporters January 2026
If you applied during the Random Selection Draw your payment was automatically processed earlier this month and your tickets are officially secured.
- The April 2026 Last Minute Sales Phase
This is your most important date.
In early April 2026 FIFA will open the Last Minute Sales Phase. This is the final major ticket drop before the tournament begins in June.
This phase is entirely first come first served. There is no random lottery. You log into the portal wait in the digital queue select your matches and check out immediately. You will know instantly if you secured the tickets.
You must create your official FIFA ID on the FIFA ticketing website today. Do not wait until April to make an account or you will lose your place in line.
- The Official Resale Marketplace
What happens if you miss the April drop. You still have the secondary market.
FIFA operates an official Resale and Exchange Marketplace. This allows fans who can no longer attend to sell their tickets safely.
Important update. The marketplace is temporarily closing tomorrow February 22 2026. It will officially reopen on April 2 2026 alongside the final sales phase. Avoid third party scalping sites to ensure your tickets are valid at the gate.
- The Secret Bank of America Promotion
If you applied for a Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card late last year check your email immediately.
Bank of America is running an exclusive ticket window right now. Eligible cardholders received a unique link on February 10 giving them access to thousands of reserved tickets. This private window closes completely on February 24 2026.
- Prepare Your Travel Now
When the Last Minute Sales Phase opens in April the remaining hotel rooms in host cities will vanish within hours.
Do not wait for your ticket confirmation to book your accommodation. Use our main Travel Hub to book hotel rooms with free cancellation policies today. If you fail to get tickets in April you simply cancel the hotel room at no cost.
