FIFA is launching the last chance to get tickets for the 2026 World Cup, with a final ticket sales phase that begins in April and remains open until the end of the tournament. Additionally, the organization announced that demand has already exceeded expectations. With 48 teams competing in 104 matches, it is expected that the record for World Cup attendance, set in 1994, could be broken. Last-Minute Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026: When Does the Sale Begin? The final ticket sales phase kicks off on Wednesday, April 1, at 9:00 AM (Central Mexico Time), according to FIFA. How to Buy World Cup Tickets in the Final Phase? Unlike previous stages, the process will now operate on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to real-time availability. FIFA explained: “Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. During the random selection phase alone, FIFA received over 500 million applications, leading to the sale of more than one million tickets by the end of February.” The organization highlighted that “the global demand for FIFA World Cup tickets continues to highlight the unquestionable desire of fans to attend the biggest show on the planet.” Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino had anticipated months ago that the demand was equivalent to “a thousand years of World Cups at once.” Possible Attendance Record in Sight for the 2026 World Cup With less than 80 days until the tournament begins, projections point to a new all-time high for attendance. FIFA stated that “everything indicates that this year's edition will surpass the 3.5 million attendance record set at the 1994 FIFA World Cup,” a tournament held in the United States. The 2026 World Cup will also be the first with 48 teams and a total of 104 matches, significantly expanding the ticket supply compared to previous editions. The public will be able to view the available matches and categories, select specific seats, proceed with the purchase, and receive confirmation once the payment is completed.” Furthermore, this phase will allow for the selection of specific seats within the stadium, an option not always available in previous stages. Fans can choose their seat on the map or use the automated “Best Seat Available” tool. Those who have already purchased tickets can check their seat assignments starting April 1. High Demand: Over One Million Tickets Already Sold for the 2026 World Cup Global interest in the tournament has marked record figures from early stages. From that point on, the general public can purchase tickets under a different scheme than previous phases. The organization detailed that after the random selection phase concludes, “additional tickets will be put on sale for the general public,” opening a new window for those who couldn't secure their spot beforehand. This phase remains open until the end of the tournament, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, in an edition to be held in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
