The FIFA World Cup 2026: What You Need to Know About Tickets, Teams, and the Matches Ahead
How to get tickets, where the matches are, and who’s expected to compete in the biggest tournament ever
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is coming to North America next summer, and excitement is already rising. With more matches, more cities, and more teams than ever before, this will be the most ambitious World Cup in history.
Hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 national teams, 104 matches, and more than 6.5 million fans. If you’re planning to be part of it, here’s everything you need to know about how to get World Cup tickets, who’s playing, and what to expect from this record-breaking tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Sales Begin in September
FIFA will launch the first phase of public ticket sales on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Fans must visit FIFA.com/tickets to register and create a FIFA ID. This ID is required to apply during the draw application window.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets will be released in phases over the next several months. Each phase will offer different opportunities to purchase seats before and during the tournament. These will include:
Individual match tickets
Team-specific ticket bundles (such as Follow My Team packages)
Venue-specific ticket series
Accessibility seating and family-friendly options
FIFA has not yet released the final pricing structure. However, early bid documents from the North American host countries projected average group-stage ticket prices around $305.
Prices will vary based on match type, stadium, and seat location.
Where Will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Take Place?
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, and ends with the World Cup Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. Matches will take place in 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key 2026 World Cup host cities include:
New York/New Jersey: Hosting the final match at MetLife Stadium
Los Angeles: Hosting the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening match on June 12 at SoFi Stadium
Dallas: Hosting the most matches of any city with nine scheduled games
Toronto and Vancouver: Hosting games in Canada
Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey: Representing Mexico as host cities
Atlanta, Miami, Philadelphia, Seattle, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, and San Francisco: Completing the U.S. list
Fans should start planning their travel soon, as flights and accommodations are expected to rise in cost as the tournament approaches.
Which Teams Will Play in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The final draw will take place in December 2025, but several top national teams are already expected to qualify.
Some of the most anticipated teams and players include:
Argentina: Defending champions with a younger squad stepping in after Lionel Messi
France: With Kylian Mbappé and a deep, talented roster
Brazil: Featuring rising stars such as Endrick and Vitor Roque
England: Led by Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and a strong core group
Germany and Spain: Powerhouses looking to return to form
United States, Mexico, and Canada: Automatically qualified as host nations
This will be the first tournament to feature 48 teams. The group stage will include 12 groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place finishers advancing to a 32-team knockout round.
This expanded format will offer more drama and more chances for underdog stories than any World Cup before.
New Experiences for FIFA World Cup 2026 Fans
FIFA says the 2026 World Cup will deliver the most immersive experience ever offered. Fans attending matches will have access to:
Dedicated fan zones in each host city
Upgraded digital ticketing and stadium entry systems
Accessible and family-friendly seating options
Local food and entertainment connected to the culture of each city
Matchday experiences designed to connect fans from around the world
For many fans, this will be the first chance to attend a World Cup match without traveling across oceans. FIFA is marketing the tournament as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of a global event from North America.
What if You Don’t Get Tickets in the First Sale?
Not everyone will get tickets through the first application window. FIFA expects overwhelming demand in popular venues like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
If you miss out during FIFA’s official ticket phases, all hope isn’t lost. For major events like the World Cup, a resale market often emerges, and XP is exploring ways to help fans find safe, verified tickets when that time comes. Stay tuned.
Final Thoughts: Be Ready for September 10
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will set new records in size, attendance, and global reach. Whether you want to support your team, explore a host city, or experience a World Cup for the first time, now is the time to prepare.
To get started:
Visit FIFA.com/tickets
Create a FIFA ID
Mark September 10, 2025, on your calendar
Explore resale options like XP as ticket releases roll out
I’ll continue covering FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket updates, host city news, travel tips, and resale availability in the months ahead. Subscribe to stay informed and feel free to reply with questions or share what team or city you’re most excited to experience.
Check us out at xp.xyz!
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