FIFA has initiated the sale of an additional one million tickets for the upcoming World Cup, kicking off the tournament’s second phase of sales with a new ticket draw on Monday. The ongoing draw, running until 11 a.m. Eastern on Friday, features a special time slot exclusively for residents of the host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Fans from these nations selected in the draw will have the chance to purchase single-match tickets for games held within their respective countries.
The current phase is open to all football enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing significant interest globally, especially within the host countries as preparations are underway for the largest FIFA World Cup to date. Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer, emphasized the importance of this phase in recognizing local fans while ensuring a fair opportunity for global attendance.
Participants from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico who enter the draw before the Friday deadline stand a chance to secure a time slot, randomly assigned by FIFA, for purchasing tickets starting from November 12. These time slots will be issued until November 15, with winners notified at least 48 hours in advance.
During the initial ticketing phase, residents of the host countries – the U.S., Canada, and Mexico – led in ticket purchases, followed by supporters from England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France. Following the conclusion of the domestic exclusivity period, additional fans will become eligible to acquire purchasing slots starting on November 17, with FIFA planning to release more tickets in subsequent phases.
Recently, FIFA reported selling over one million tickets for the upcoming World Cup, with individuals from 212 different countries and territories already making purchases. With 28 of the 48 team slots in the tournament filled, anticipation continues to build for the prestigious event, set to take place across 16 North American venues.
As the tournament approaches, questions arise for attendees, particularly regarding visa requirements, especially with the U.S. tightening immigration policies. Notably, an international friendly match featuring Argentina and Puerto Rico was relocated due to sluggish ticket sales, potentially influenced by immigration-related concerns.
Ticket availability and pricing are crucial aspects for fans, with approximately 7.1 million seats across 16 venues for the 104 tournament matches. Ticket pricing varies, with the lowest-priced seats at $60 for select matches, while premium seats for the opening U.S. match ranged from $560 to $2,735. Ticket categories range from the best seats in Category 1 to upper-tier locations in Category 4, with dynamic pricing strategies expected for this major soccer event.
The road to the World Cup continues to unfold with growing excitement and preparations for an unforgettable tournament experience.