How to Buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets (and Why the Visa Presale Draw Matters)

Written By Ben Fraser

Many U.S. fans — and fans around the world — don’t know the exact steps to take when trying to buy FIFA World Cup tickets for next summer in the United States. Lucky for you, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to make sure you have the best chance of securing tickets at official FIFA prices.

🎥 For a video tutorial, check out our Instagram (@wecallitsoccer_podcast) or TikTok (@wecallitsoccerpod).

Why the Presale Draw Is So Important

Because of overwhelming demand, FIFA sells tickets through a lottery system (random draw), which has been used at past tournaments. For the 2026 World Cup, the Visa Presale Draw is the first — and best — opportunity to buy tickets.

Here’s why:

  • ✅ FIFA pricing – This is the only way to buy tickets directly at face value. If you skip this step, you’ll likely be stuck paying inflated resale prices later.

  • ✅ Equal odds – Entering earlier doesn’t improve your chances; everyone has the same shot.

  • ✅ Low-risk – Getting selected just means you can buy tickets. You don’t have to purchase anything if you don’t want to.

FIFA has allocated around 1 million tickets for this Visa Presale Draw. In the first 24 hours alone, more than 1.5 million fans applied. That means demand is sky-high, but this draw is still your best bet at securing affordable tickets.

Key Dates to Know

  • Sept 10–19, 2025 → Window to enter the Visa Presale Draw (Visa card required).

  • Sept 29, 2025 → Notifications begin. Fans find out if they’ve been selected.

  • Oct 1, 2025 onward → Selected fans receive a specific purchase window to log in and buy tickets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enter the Presale Draw

Step 1: Create a FIFA ID

Head to fifa.com and set up your FIFA ID. Use an email and password you’ll remember — you’ll need this to log in again later.

Step 2: Find the Ticketing Section

Once logged in, either:

  • Click the pop-up that says “Enter Presale Draw,” or

  • Go to the Tickets & Hospitality tab (top right), then click Explore details or Learn more under World Cup 2026.

Step 3: Enter the Draw

Sign in with your FIFA ID and click “Enter Draw.”
Select “Enter the FIFA World Cup 26 Presale Draw for Visa Cardholders.”

You may be asked for:

  • Personal details (address, city, state, etc.)

  • The stage(s) you’d like to attend (group stage, knockout rounds, final, etc.)

  • The location(s) you prefer. Important: If you choose Los Angeles and get selected, you’ll be assigned any match at SoFi Stadium. It might involve your favorite team… or it might not. Remember: you’re not obligated to buy.

Step 4: Add Your Visa Card

Click “Add a new card” and enter your valid Visa details. Make sure the name matches your FIFA account.

Click “Submit Entry.” You’ll receive a confirmation email that your application has been submitted.

What Happens Next?

  • Between Sept 29 and Oct 1, you’ll find out if you’ve been selected.

  • If selected, you’ll receive a date and time to log in and purchase tickets.

  • You only pay once you select and check out — there’s no automatic charge.

  • If you don’t buy tickets, your opportunity simply expires.

Final Thoughts

This is the biggest sporting event in the world, and it’s happening right here in our home country. If you want tickets at a fair price, entering the Visa Presale Draw is your best chance.

If you have questions or need help entering, send us a DM on Instagram or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s make this World Cup one we’ll never forget.

Ben Fraser
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