The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America, and it's going to be massive. We're talking 48 teams instead of the usual 32, which means more matches and more chances to see world-class football.
Over 500 million fans applied for tickets through FIFA's lottery system. That's a staggering number, and unfortunately, not everyone got lucky. But here's the good news: missing out on the lottery doesn't mean you're out of options.
There are still plenty of ways to get your hands on tickets to the 2026 tournament. Let's break down everything you need to know about securing your spot in the stands.
Where Can You Buy World Cup Tickets?
FIFA runs the official lottery system, but if that didn't work out for you, secondary markets are your best bet. Sites like StubHub and StubHub International have tickets available for every single match at the tournament.
You can pick and choose based on which teams you want to see, which cities you prefer, or what fits your budget. The selection includes everything from group stage matches to the final. Just keep in mind that tickets are selling quickly, so availability is getting tighter by the day.
One important note: prices on these platforms may be higher than face value. They're also not officially authenticated by FIFA, so you're buying from other fans who secured tickets through the lottery.
How Much Will Tickets Cost You?
Let's be honest: World Cup tickets aren't cheap, especially on the secondary market. The tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa is currently priced around $3,600 USD. That's serious money for a single match.
Want to see the USMNT in the group stage? Expect to pay about $1,200 per ticket. And if you're dreaming of attending the final on July 19, you're looking at approximately $8,000.
There's also an interesting option for die-hard supporters: three-match group stage passes for individual teams. Germany's complete group stage costs around $3,500, while Scotland runs about $4,500. The bigger names command premium prices—USA and England packages go for $9,000, and Spain tops out at $10,000.
From a betting perspective, these prices tell an interesting story. The ticket costs roughly correlate with each team's perceived chances of advancing deep into the tournament. Spain and England commanding the highest prices suggests the market expects them to be serious contenders, which aligns with most pre-tournament odds.
The tournament kicks off June 11 and runs through the final on July 19. Matches will be spread across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, giving fans throughout North America a chance to experience the action live.
The groups have already been drawn, though the final team rosters won't be confirmed until spring 2026. That gives you time to plan which matches you want to target and start saving accordingly.
