On Monday, October 27, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) launched the second phase of ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA World CupNorth America, releasing exactly 1,000,000 tickets through a randomized draw — but with a twist: residents of the host nations got first crack. This isn’t just another ticket drop. It’s a fix. After the presale in September drew widespread frustration over pricing, technical glitches, and what fans called a "lottery rigged against the loyal," FIFA came back with a more targeted approach. And this time, it’s personal.
Who Gets Priority — And Why It Matters
The Early Ticket Draw runs until 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31, 2025. But here’s the catch: only those who’ve created a verified FIFA ID can enter. And if you’re a resident of the United States, Canada, or Mexico? You get a 72-hour exclusive window to buy single-match tickets — starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 12, 2025. That’s not just a perk. It’s a lifeline for fans who’ve waited years for this moment.
That’s because the first presale, which closed around September 27, 2025, saw over 1 million tickets sold — but host country residents only secured 32.7% of them. Meanwhile, fans from Europe grabbed 22.1%, South America 18.3%, and other regions 26.9%. For many in North America, that felt like a slap in the face. Why should a fan in Berlin have a better shot at a game in Philadelphia than someone who lives 20 miles away? FIFA’s response? A dedicated lane.
The Venues — And What Fans Can Expect
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will unfold across 16 stadiums in 16 cities. In the United States, that includes Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, which will host six matches — including a crucial Round of 32 game on Thursday, July 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. Canada’s BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver are confirmed as host venues, while Mexico’s Mexico City and Guadalajara will also welcome fans.
For Canadian fans, this means if you’re selected in the draw, you can only buy tickets for matches in your own country — no cross-border shopping. Same for U.S. and Mexican residents. It’s a deliberate move to prevent scalpers and international buyers from snapping up all the best seats. The goal? Keep the atmosphere local, electric, and authentic.
How the System Works — And What You Need to Know
It’s not enough to just enter. You’ve got to be ready when your window opens. Selected applicants will receive an email notification by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 10, 2025 — meaning you’ll know exactly when to log in. That window? 72 hours. No extensions. No grace periods. Miss it, and your chance vanishes.
Pricing mirrors the presale: $220 for Category 4 single-match tickets, up to $1,100 for Category 1 tickets to the final on July 19, 2026. All transactions are in U.S. dollars, regardless of where you live. And yes — that’s still steep for many. But FIFA insists the structure is fair. "We’re not just selling tickets," said a spokesperson in a statement. "We’re building moments. And those moments belong first to the communities hosting them."
That’s the emotional core of this phase. After backlash over the presale — fans in Toronto and Philadelphia reported crashes on the ticket portal, and social media lit up with #FIFATicketGate — this second draw feels like a reckoning. Not perfect, but better.
What’s Next — And What’s Still Unclear
As of October 27, 2025, FIFA has announced no further sales phases. That means this is it. No more draws. No more presales. If you don’t get in now, you’ll need to wait until the tournament starts — and hope for last-minute cancellations or resale options, which FIFA has not confirmed.
The financial stakes are enormous. With 1 million tickets at an average price of roughly $500, this phase alone could generate over $500 million in revenue. But beyond the numbers, there’s a cultural one: for the first time in World Cup history, the host nations aren’t just venues — they’re the priority. That shift matters. It tells fans their passion isn’t just welcome — it’s essential.
Still, questions linger. Why wasn’t the priority window extended to include multi-match packages? Why aren’t youth tickets being offered at a discount? And what happens to those who can’t afford even the lowest-tier tickets? FIFA hasn’t answered. But for now, the ball’s in the fans’ court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m eligible for the host country priority window?
You must have a verified FIFA ID with a residential address registered in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. FIFA cross-references this with public databases and may request proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, during the purchase window. If your address doesn’t match, you’ll be moved to the general pool — if any spots remain.
What if I’m selected but can’t buy tickets during my 72-hour window?
You lose the opportunity permanently. There are no extensions, no resets, and no exceptions. FIFA’s system locks tickets once the window closes, and unsold tickets are redistributed to the general public — if any remain. This is why fans are advised to prepare payment methods and have their FIFA ID logged in early, even before the window opens.
Can I buy tickets for games in another host country if I’m selected as a resident?
No. The priority window is strictly for matches held in your home country. A Canadian resident can only purchase tickets for games in Toronto or Vancouver. A U.S. resident can’t buy a ticket for a match in Guadalajara during their window. This rule is enforced at checkout — the system blocks cross-border purchases during priority periods.
What happens if I don’t get selected in this draw?
Your only option is to wait for potential last-minute releases after November 14, 2025, or hope for cancellations. FIFA has confirmed no additional sales phases, and third-party resale platforms are not officially sanctioned. Be wary of scams — many fake ticket sites are already popping up. Only use fifa.com/tickets for legitimate purchases.
Why did FIFA limit the draw to only 1 million tickets?
FIFA aims to balance demand with logistical capacity. Each stadium has a finite seating capacity, and adding more tickets could overwhelm transportation, security, and fan services in host cities. The 1 million figure also aligns with FIFA’s goal of keeping ticket prices manageable — flooding the market would force discounts, reducing revenue. This is a calculated, not arbitrary, number.
Is there a chance FIFA will open more tickets later?
As of now, no. FIFA has stated this is the final public sales phase. Any additional tickets — such as those released due to cancellations — will be handled through official resale channels on fifa.com, not through new draws. Fans are strongly encouraged to act during the October 31 deadline, because after November 14, 2025, the window for guaranteed access closes for good.