Your Last Big Chance: The 2026 World Cup Ticket Window Opening Soon And Why Fans Are Erupting Over Joy

The next window to secure your place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially locked in. FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that the third phase of ticket sales will open on December 11, marking the first opportunity for fans to purchase single-match tickets tied to confirmed matchups—a major moment since it comes less than a week after the Final Draw. Supporters following a specific national team will also get their chance that same day through Participating Member Association (PMA) allocations.

Demand has already surged. FIFA announced that more than two million seats have been claimed so far, with buyers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico leading the pack, followed by supporters across Europe and South America. Fans in more than 200 countries and territories have already tried their luck in the sales queue. As FIFA president Gianni Infantino noted, those who haven’t secured their seats yet will have “a brand-new opening” on December 11.

The 2026 tournament—set to be the largest edition ever—will span 16 host cities across North America. Eleven U.S. locations will stage a majority of the 78 matches, while Mexico and Canada will round out the lineup with three and two host cities respectively. The first whistle will blow in Mexico City on June 11, and the competition will reach its grand finale on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

FIFA officials say anticipation is skyrocketing now that 42 teams have secured qualification. With the opening match less than 200 days away, organizers are finalizing match assignments, kickoff times, and stadium schedules. These details will be revealed on December 6, once the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., locks in the 12 groups of four.

Travel logistics are also a major talking point this year. Discussions between Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month resulted in the creation of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS), which gives World Cup ticket holders access to faster visa interview appointments. Still, FIFA has emphasized that a match ticket alone isn’t enough to guarantee entry into the United States, Mexico, or Canada, and fans should check each country’s entry rules as early as possible. Visa applications, they say, should be submitted well ahead of travel dates.

Why More Fans Are Turning to Viagogo for World Cup 2026 Tickets

With demand climbing and official sales windows often closing within minutes, many supporters are choosing Viagogo as their go-to marketplace for securing World Cup seats. Fans appreciate the platform’s transparent pricing, international customer support, and Buyer Guarantee, which ensures that tickets arrive on time and are valid for entry. Viagogo also offers a wide range of seating options—often including categories that sell out instantly on official channels—giving travelers more flexibility to plan a matchday experience that fits their itinerary and budget. For many World Cup newcomers and seasoned supporters alike, Viagogo provides the peace of mind and convenience needed when navigating one of the world’s most in-demand sporting events.