Main ticket ballot for 2026 World Cup opens Thursday

The main ticket ballot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is opening on Thursday, December 11, 2025, giving fans the chance to secure their tickets since the draw and full match schedule were announced last week.

According to reports on Wednesday, FIFA’s pricing for the 2026 World Cup tickets is being criticised for being too high.

Football Supporters Europe warns that prices are at an all-time high, which could put fans at risk of financial strain if they want to support their teams. Initially, tickets were priced between £45 and £5,915.

How to apply for the ticket

From 16:00 GMT on Thursday, fans can apply for tickets on FIFA’s website for the matches of their choice.

One is allowed to apply for up to 4 tickets per match and 40 tickets in total for the tournament. The application window is open until January 13, 2026, and it doesn’t matter when you apply – all matches are available throughout.

The Random Selection Draw will take place from December 11, 2025, to January 13, 2026, and winners will be notified and charged in February 2026 through email.

Dynamic pricing and ticket costs

FIFA has confirmed that dynamic pricing, also called “variable pricing”,—will not apply during the main ballot.

However, the ticket prices will stay the same throughout the application period, and they’re based on demand, so big matches will be more costly. FIFA hasn’t released the official prices yet, but you’ll know the cost when the window opens on Thursday.

For now, fans who tracked prices earlier are the best source of info. This main ballot is your chance to grab tickets for the 2026 World Cup. 

The tournament is expected to be huge, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US, with 48 teams competing. 

FIFA’s sales process has multiple phases: early sales, corporate allocations, and now the main ballot, open to everyone.

(BBC Sports)

READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE