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World Cup 2026 Ticket Ballot Opens as Fan Groups Decry Soaring Prices

FIFA introduced fixed prices for ringfenced allocations this phase following sharp PMA increases.

Overview

  • The Random Selection Draw runs from Dec. 11 to Jan. 13, letting fans apply for specific matches via a FIFA ID, with notifications due in February and limits of four tickets per match and 40 per household.
  • FIFA says nearly two million tickets were sold in earlier phases before teams, venues and times were confirmed.
  • National-association (PMA) tickets equal roughly 8% of capacity and published lists show steep rises, including group-stage ranges reported at $180–$700 and at least $4,185 for the cheapest final seat, prompting Football Supporters Europe to urge a halt to sales; England’s FA briefed members on prices from about £198 for the opener to over £3,000 for a final ticket.
  • FIFA’s model includes variable pricing on general sales with ringfenced fixed-price allocations this phase, plus an official resale marketplace that charges a 15% fee to both buyer and seller and allows market-based listings in the U.S. and Canada but with restrictions in Mexico.
  • Independent analyses show hotel rates surging by several hundred percent in many host cities, and U.S. authorities have set up a FIFA PASS visa-priority system with added consular staff to manage expected demand.