Calabasas, California, United States, February 26, 2024 – The 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be the largest ever, with 48 teams competing in 80 matches across 16 cities in 3 countries. With unprecedented demand expected, here is everything you need to know about getting your hands on the hottest tickets in sports.
Venues Across North AmericaÂ
The 2026 World Cup will utilize stadiums in 11 US cities, 3 Mexican cities, and 2 Canadian cities:
USA
- East Coast: Boston, Philadelphia, New York/New Jersey
- South: Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas
- Midwest: Kansas City
- West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle
Mexico
- Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey
Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver
The opener will be held at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, and the final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
More Matches Than Ever BeforeÂ
With 48 teams, the tournament will feature 80 matches, up from 64 in previous 32-team World Cups. This includes:
- 48 group stage matches
- 16 round of 32 matches
- 8 round of 16 matches
- 4 quarterfinals
- 2 semifinals
- 1 final
The top 2 teams in the 12 groups will advance, along with the 8 best third-place teams.
Expected Record-Breaking Demand
Demand is expected to shatter records as the first World Cup has been held in North America since 1994. The continent’s major cities, well-developed infrastructure, strong soccer culture, and fanbases will drive unprecedented ticket sales.
Factors driving demand:
- Large populations and immigrant communities passionate about soccer
- Relative ease of travel within host countries
- Strong corporate interest in top markets
- Limited opportunities to attend a World Cup in North America
With over 5 million ticket requests for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 2026 could see double or triple that number.
Ticket Sales Process Still Unclear
FIFA has not yet released the official ticket sales process and timeline details. But based on past World Cups, a phased approach is likely:
- Pre-sales: Early access for sponsor partners, licensed sellers, and hospitality packages
- Random lottery: Fans register for a lottery to receive access to tickets on the FIFA Website
- General public sales: Remaining tickets released for purchase by the general public
High demand and limited supply will make obtaining tickets difficult. Acting early, having flexibility on matches and cities, and looking at secondary markets can improve chances.
Estimated Pricing
Based on recent World Cups, ticket prices may range from $200-$3000 depending on stage, teams, and location:
- Group stage matches: $200-$800
- Round of 32: $400-$1000
- Round of 16: $600-$1500
- Quarterfinals: $800-$2000
- Semifinals: $1000-$3000
- Final: $1500-$3000+
Cities with large soccer fanbases, like Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City, will likely be the most expensive.
How to Get Your Tickets
With extreme competition expected, here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Sign up early for pre-sales and lottery notifications to get ahead of crowds. Provide accurate info.
- Be flexible on locations and matches. Choosing less popular cities and teams can increase the odds.
- Aim for larger stadiums like LA’s SoFi Stadium or MetLife Stadium in NJ, which will be more available.
- Consider traveling within the region for multiple matches. Clustering trips can improve access.
Secondary Market
The secondary market for World Cup tickets opens the gates to a global audience, allowing fans to secure a spot at this prestigious event, even if they missed the initial sale.
Platforms such as Barry’s Ticket Service and Vivid Seats, both in North America, offer a marketplace where tickets are bought and sold, often by fans who have changed plans.
This dynamic market adjusts to supply and demand in real time, sometimes offering tickets at a premium but potentially below face value as the event nears. It’s a system that rewards flexibility and persistence, with the thrill of scoring a last-minute deal to witness the world’s premier football spectacle.
While difficult, with preparation and persistence, experiencing the 2026 World Cup live should be possible for dedicated fans. This guide provides key information to develop an effective ticket strategy. With smart planning, your World Cup dreams can come true.
Contact Information:
Name: Chris Cabrera
Company:Â Barry’s Ticket Service
Website: https://www.barrystickets.com/
Email Support: support@barrystickets.com
Support Line: (800) 348-8499
Address: 23622 Calabasas Rd. Suite #301, Calabasas, CA 91302
