The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets releasing has had everyone on the edge of their seats. And now it’s time: you better get your credit card ready because the date is upon us.
But buying World Cup tickets isn’t as easy as it seems. It’s going to require a lot of diligence and a whole lot of luck. Luckily for you, we break down all the details so you aren’t left in the dark and ticketless.
THE TICKET SYSTEM
The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s premiere sporting events, and it’s watched by millions across the globe. Excitingly, Vancouver will be hosting 7 matches at BC Place. This means Vancouverites have a chance to watch the games up close and in their hometown.
Tickets are traditionally doled out using a lottery system, but there are a few ways you can put your ballot in the box. They range in prices that will definitely make your wallet cry to those that are rather modest. Here are the ways you can get your hands on some World Cup tickets.
FIFA WORLD CUP TICKETS
Your first option is to go with the CanadaRED ticket path. Generally, FIFA holds the majority of tickets for distribution, but this year they have allocated some to the Canada Soccer Foundation for every Canadian match.
Canada Soccer will thus be holding a weighted ticket lottery. Your chances of receiving a ticket– or tickets– will depend on your membership tier with CanadaRED, the Canada Soccer Foundation’s fanclub program. Prices range from free memberships to $5,000. As the Canada Soccer Foundation website states, “The higher the tier, the higher the chances.”
Your second option is to go directly to FIFA for your tickets. There will be three separate lottery windows open. The first opens from September 10 to 19 for Visa cardholders, who can enter a pre-sale draw that will cover all games, meaning that you’re competing with the world for your tickets.
The early ticket draw for the second window opens from October 27 to 31. The fans who enter this draw will have the chance to buy tickets starting on November 12, and will be issued through November 15. After that, there will be another open window starting on November 17. The final chance to buy tickets will begin on December 11 for the “random selection draw.”
All that’s required for buying your tickets from FIFA is a FIFA ID, which you can sign up for on their website.
Prices range from a massive US$6,730 to a fairly reasonable US$60, which is around $80 CAD.
As with any lottery, there is no guarantee that you will win anything. If you want to assure your ticket procurement with purely your skill at clicking things fast on screens and putting in your credit card information quick, tickets will go on sale in 2026 to the general public following the lotteries.
Either way, the FIFA World Cup is upon us, and it’s time to try to get your hands on some tickets soon.
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