World Cup 2026 Tickets: Demand Surges as Main Ballot Opens Worldwide

The main ballot for World Cup 2026 tickets is now open. Fans can apply until January 13, 2026. The tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA expects record demand as the event expands to 48 teams and 104 matches.

Interest is high because this is the first ballot where fans know match dates and venues. According to Reuters, early sales already passed nearly two million tickets. Many fans now hope the main ballot will give them a fair chance to attend the world’s biggest football event.

World Cup 2026 Tickets and How the Ballot Works

The ballot opened on December 11, 2025. It closes on January 13, 2026. Every application goes into a lottery. The time of entry does not change the odds. Fans can apply for up to four tickets per match and up to 40 tickets in total.

Applicants must register for a FIFA ID before entering the draw. FIFA will notify winners in February. Payments will be charged automatically. But a ticket alone is not enough for stadium entry. Fans must also meet visa and travel rules for the host countries.

FIFA says the random draw is meant to give all fans a fair chance. But demand is far higher than supply. This makes the process tense for many supporters who feel shut out by high prices and low availability.

Why Prices Stirred Anger and What the $60 Ticket Means

Ticket prices sparked global backlash. According to BBC News, many fans called the original prices unfair. Group match tickets reached about $200 at the low end, while top matches ran into thousands. Some hospitality seats topped $70,000.

FIFA responded by adding a new $60 “Supporter Entry Tier.” This applies to all matches, even the final. But the supply is very small. These cheap seats make up only about 1.6 percent of total tickets.

Supporters say the move helps but does not solve deeper issues. Most fans will still face expensive prices. National football groups will distribute the $60 seats in small amounts to loyal members. Little information has been shared about how selection works, which worries many.

Travel Rules, Visa Needs, and Other Barriers for Fans

Travel adds another challenge. Fans entering the U.S. may need an ESTA or B-2 visa. Canada requires an ETA for most visitors. Mexico does not require visas for many tourists.

U.S. officials created a fast-track system called FIFA PASS. According to AP News, extra consular staff will help process visa interviews. Even so, officials urge fans to apply early. Missing visa deadlines means losing the ticket without refund.

Economic Impact and What It Means for the Tournament

The World Cup will bring big crowds and major spending to host cities. But economists say gains are often short-term. According to Reuters, FIFA expects record revenue of $13 billion for this cycle. This is due to the expanded format and high ticket demand.

Prize money for teams will rise by 50 percent. The winners will earn $50 million. Even with these numbers, the debate over fairness continues. Many fans argue that soaring costs push ordinary supporters away from the sport.

The push for World Cup 2026 tickets shows how strong global passion remains. But high prices and tight supply keep the event out of reach for many. The future of fan access may depend on whether FIFA makes deeper changes beyond this cycle.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: How do I apply for World Cup 2026 tickets?

You must register for a FIFA ID and apply through the ticket portal. All entries go into a random draw. Winners will get results by email in February.

Q2: Are World Cup 2026 tickets refundable?

Tickets are not refundable. If you lose visa eligibility, FIFA will not reimburse the cost. Fans must secure travel documents early.

Q3: How much do World Cup 2026 tickets cost?

Most tickets start around $200 for group matches. The final can exceed $3,000. A small number of $60 tickets are available for select fans.

Q4: What is FIFA PASS?

It is a U.S. visa fast-track system for ticket holders. It helps schedule visa interviews sooner. It was launched due to the huge expected travel demand.

Q5: How many cheap tickets are available?

Only about 1.6 percent of all tickets fall under the $60 tier. Supplies vary by nation. They are given out through national supporter programs.