BREAKING: FIFA opens new World Cup ticket window, pricing storm erupts
I can confirm FIFA opened the third ticket sales phase for the 2026 World Cup today at 11:00 ET. The Random Selection Draw is live and runs until January 13, 2026. Fans can apply for single‑match tickets now that the tournament draw is set. Nearly two million seats moved in the first two phases. Demand is sky high. So are emotions.
At the same time, anger over prices has hit hard. Especially inside the Participating Member Association programs that serve national‑team supporter bases. I have reviewed PMA price sheets sent to fans this week. Some packages climb near 6,900 dollars if a team reaches the final. That is close to five times higher than many paid in 2022. Supporter leaders are calling it a betrayal of loyal travelers who give this event its sound and soul.
How the Random Selection Draw works
This window is not first come, first served. Everyone who applies by January 13 has the same shot. You must use a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets, pick your matches, and submit one request. You can ask for several games, different cities, and a mix of seat categories. Payment details are required, but your card is only charged if you win seats in the draw.
You can apply for group games, the knockouts, and even the final. Accessibility options are available. You can include guests, subject to limits. You can also set a fallback choice, for example accept a lower category if your top choice is gone. Edit tools are open until the window closes.
To boost your odds, request multiple matches, accept more than one seat category, keep your payment valid, and be flexible on cities and dates.
Pricing backlash and what it means for matchday atmosphere
The loudest fury today centers on PMA tickets. Those are the allocations that national associations distribute to core fans. In theory, these seats are for the people who sing for 90 minutes. In practice this year, the totals look crushing. England fans report totals over 5,000 pounds for a deep run. I have seen maximum paths priced near 6,900 dollars for other nations.
This is not a small jump. It changes who can travel. It risks cutting out drums, banners, and the tight units that set the tone inside a stadium. That is not a side show. It shapes the game itself. Players feed off that heat. A flat end of the ground makes a knockout tie feel cold. That is the fear I am hearing from veteran travelers today.
Why demand is spiking anyway
The final tournament draw fell into place on December 5. Fans now see who plays where, and when. That clarity drives this phase. Host nation dates are always hot. So are the global powers. Argentina and Brazil games will move in minutes once allocations hit accounts. France, England, and Germany will be right there. The United States, Mexico, and Canada, as hosts, will draw massive home crowds.
Player storylines add fuel. Kylian Mbappé’s prime, Jude Bellingham rising, and Christian Pulisic leading a new‑look USMNT will pull neutral fans. If Lionel Messi features, every Argentina ticket will be gold. The map matters too. Big NFL venues mean big capacities, but not all sections are equal. Lower bowl seats will be the most contested.
Scam surge, here is how to stay safe
With tickets scarce, scams have spiked. My inbox is full of fake listings and “reservation” offers. Here is the truth. The only safe buys right now are through FIFA.com/tickets and FIFA’s official resale portal, once open. There are no paper tickets. Everything is digital. Screenshots and PDFs are junk.
Avoid anyone “guaranteeing” a seat for a fee. Avoid marketplace listings that cannot verify delivery inside the FIFA system. If it sounds too good, it is.
Do not buy via DMs, group chats, or unverified resale links. If it is not inside FIFA’s platform, you have no protection.
Quick ways to improve your chances
- Apply now, you can edit until January 13
- Request several matches, not just one
- Accept more than one seat category
- Keep your card and FIFA ID details current
- Stay flexible on city and kickoff time
What happens next
Once the window shuts, FIFA runs the draw. Applicants get emails with results. If you win seats, your card is charged. Unsuccessful requests get no charge. Later, FIFA will open first come, first served sales for any remaining inventory. The official resale portal will let fans transfer or resell within rules. Keep an eye on your account, and do not miss payment windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply right now?
A: Go to FIFA.com/tickets, log in with your FIFA ID, choose matches, seat categories, and submit your request before January 13.
Q: Is it faster to apply today?
A: No. This is a random draw. Applying today or next week gives the same chance, as long as you submit before the deadline.
Q: When will I be charged?
A: Only if your request is successful. Charges hit after the draw, and FIFA will notify you by email and in your ticketing account.
Q: What is the difference between PMA tickets and public tickets?
A: PMA tickets are sold through national associations to their fans. Public tickets are sold directly by FIFA. Pricing and rules can differ.
Q: Can I resell or transfer my ticket?
A: FIFA tickets are digital. Transfers and resales must go through the official FIFA platform when it opens, within the event’s rules.
Conclusion
The window is open, the stakes are sky high, and the debate over price is now front and center. The 2026 World Cup will be massive, on the field and in the stands. If you want in, act with care, apply smart, and keep it official. I will continue to press for clarity on prices, access, and the fan experience that makes this tournament roar.
