The 2026 World Cup logo in Times Square, New York City, USA on 18/5/2023. Photo: Reuters

This initial sales phase was exclusively for customers of FIFA's top-tier payment card partner. The registration time didn't affect the chances of success. All valid applications submitted before the September 19 deadline were considered equally.

However, the overwhelming demand resulted in many fans encountering technical issues, such as missing countdown timers and "Bad Request" notifications. FIFA acknowledged the extended wait times due to unusually high traffic, reporting over 1.5 million applications within the first 24 hours.

About one million tickets, representing 15% of the total, will be allocated in this initial phase. Fans could apply for individual match tickets, city-specific packages, or three-match group stage bundles for a specific team. However, the match schedule remains undetermined until the December 5 draw in Washington D.C. Except for the three host nations (USA, Canada, and Mexico), buyers don't yet know which teams they'll see.

The FIFA website became inaccessible at one point during the first ticket sales phase for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: X/BottomzSpotter

FIFA implemented a dynamic pricing policy, with prices fluctuating based on demand. Category 1 final tickets start at 6,730 USD, while the cheapest Category 4 group stage tickets begin at 60 USD. Most other prices will be revealed when general sales commence on 1/10.

FIFA will conduct a similar draw for all fans, followed by a post-draw phase once the match schedule is finalized. In early 2026, a first-come, first-served system, similar to US sporting events, will be used.

Additionally, FIFA offered "ticket purchase rights" as digital tokens on the FIFA Collect platform. Around 70,000 tickets were promised to token holders, though they must still pay full price upon checkout. FIFA stated this method tests market demand and establishes a transparent pricing foundation.

Each fan could purchase up to 40 tickets across 10 matches, with a maximum of four tickets per match, tracked via their FIFA ID. Large groups could request adjacent seating within their chosen ticket category, but not specific seats.

The 2026 World Cup, the first with 48 teams, will span three countries. With 8.5 million registered expressions of interest, high demand suggests tickets will be scarce until kickoff in June 2026.

Xuan Binh (via Athletic)