FIFA 2026 World Cup tickets go on sale Sept. 10. Here’s how Canadians can apply, costs, and the process for securing seats in Toronto and Vancouver.
Ticket Sales Set to Begin
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially opens Sept. 10, when Visa cardholders can register for the first ticket lottery. The global pre-sale runs until Sept. 19, covering all 104 matches of the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
How the Lottery Works
Fans must first register with FIFA, be at least 18 years old, and hold a Visa card to enter the initial draw. Winners, chosen randomly, will receive email notifications by Sept. 29, granting them an exclusive purchase window between Oct. 1 and 21. Tickets can be bought for single matches, team packages, or venue-specific bundles.
Pricing Details Revealed
Ticket prices vary widely depending on category and stage. The cheapest group-stage seats start at $82, while championship final tickets begin at $9,200. FIFA cautions that prices may rise based on demand, even within the first pre-sale window. Buyers can secure up to four tickets per match for as many as 10 games, totalling a maximum of 40 tickets.
Canadian Access and Allocation
Canada Soccer will run a separate lottery for national team matches through its CanadaRed membership program. Membership tiers, ranging from free to $5,000 annually, offer varying odds of securing tickets. For Canada’s group-stage fixtures — July 12 in Toronto, followed by July 18 and 24 in Vancouver — only a portion of the allocated 8% of stadium capacity will be available through CanadaRed, as FIFA, sponsors, and hospitality packages take priority.
Why the Process Matters
Demand for World Cup tickets traditionally outstrips supply, making the lottery process critical for fairness. The global draw ensures fans from around the world have equal opportunity, though Canadian fans face particularly stiff competition due to limited allotment and high demand for home matches.
What Comes Next
After the Visa pre-sale, FIFA will open additional ticketing phases, including an “Early Ticket Draw” expected from Oct. 27–31, with purchase windows running through November and December. Further sales rounds will follow in 2026, once the official tournament draw on Dec. 5 clarifies which teams play where. FIFA also plans to launch an official resale platform for those unable to attend.
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