by Le Floridien ____________________
The second phase of ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is officially underway, giving football fans another chance to secure their seats for the most anticipated sporting event in the world. FIFA announced that the Early Ticket Draw is now open and will remain accessible until October 31 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time (16:00 CET). Fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets to register for the draw, whether or not they participated in the earlier Visa Presale phase.
Following record demand in the first round of sales, which saw more than one million tickets sold, FIFA has released another one million tickets for this phase. To participate, fans must log in using their FIFA ID or create a new account. The timing of a fan’s entry into the draw does not affect their chances of selection, making the process fair and fully randomized.
This second phase of sales includes a special domestic exclusivity period for residents of the three host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Starting on November 12, successful applicants from these nations will be given a 72-hour priority window to purchase Single Match Tickets for games taking place in their home country. Cross-country tickets will not be available during this window, and about 75 percent of the available Single Match Tickets in this phase will be reserved for these domestic time slots.
According to FIFA World Cup 26 Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi, this phase aims to balance local enthusiasm with global access. “We have already seen massive interest from around the world for this tournament, and especially from within the host countries as Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet,” Schirgi said. “This second phase, with its host country domestic exclusivity time slot, will allow us to say thank you to these local fans while ensuring global opportunity as well.”
Once the domestic phase ends, fans from around the world who entered the draw will be eligible for a second round of random selection, beginning November 17. Those selected will receive notification at least 48 hours before their assigned time slot and will have the opportunity to purchase Single Match Tickets or Team-Specific Tickets for games across all three host nations.
FIFA also outlined future phases of ticket sales. After the Final Draw on December 5—which will reveal the majority of group-stage matchups—a new Random Selection Draw phase will begin, allowing fans to apply for tickets to specific matches. Closer to the start of the tournament, any remaining tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans can already purchase single-match and multi-match hospitality packages, which include tickets, through FIFA.com/hospitality.
During the initial sales phase earlier this year, residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico led the world in ticket purchases, followed by fans from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France. The strong interest underscores the global anticipation for the 2026 World Cup, which will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and matches spread across three host nations.
FIFA reminds fans to buy tickets only through official sources, as hospitality packages or tickets purchased from unofficial resellers may not be valid. Visa, FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner, remains the preferred method of payment, although other payment options are accepted.
FIFA also cautions that a ticket does not guarantee entry into a host country. Fans are encouraged to check travel and visa requirements on each host nation’s official government website before purchasing. Additional details, terms and conditions, and answers to frequently asked questions are available at FIFA.com/tickets.
For fans across North America and around the world, this second phase represents another chance to be part of history as Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to welcome the first-ever tri-nation FIFA World Cup—a global celebration of sport, unity, and passion.
