Getting tickets to the FIFA World Cup is one of the most competitive and confusing processes in global sports. With millions of fans around the world competing for a limited supply, understanding the official system, resale options, pricing trends, and key dates is essential. If you plan to attend the World Cup, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Step 1: Prepare for a Complex Ticket Process
The first thing fans should understand is that World Cup ticketing is not a simple first-come, first-served sale. FIFA operates on a phased system that includes lottery-style draws, dynamic pricing, and multiple resale channels. Demand is extremely high, and the process requires patience, planning, and sometimes luck.
Step 2: December 11 to January 13 — Official FIFA Ticket Applications Open
The most important window for fans is between December 11 and January 13, when FIFA opens its official ticket application phase through the FIFA Ticketing Portal. Once the World Cup draw is finalized and match schedules are confirmed, fans can apply for tickets to specific games.
During this phase:
- Fans select the matches they want to attend.
- Applications are entered into a random selection draw (lottery).
- Submitting an application does not guarantee tickets.
Step 3: Lottery Selection and Waiting for Results
After applying, fans must wait to see if they are selected in FIFA’s randomized ticket draw. Because demand greatly exceeds supply, many applicants will not receive tickets. This phase requires patience and, for many fans, a little superstition and hopeful luck.
If you are selected:
- You will receive an email notification.
- Payment must be completed within the timeframe provided by FIFA.
- Failure to pay on time results in forfeiture of tickets.
Alternative Option: Buying World Cup Tickets on the Resale Market
If you are not selected in the lottery—or if you prefer to secure tickets immediately—resale is the fastest option. There are currently nearly 2 million tickets already in circulation, sold during earlier phases.
Major resale platforms include:
- FIFA’s Official Resale Platform
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- TickPick
These platforms offer verified tickets but at premium prices.
World Cup Ticket Prices: What to Expect
Ticket prices for the World Cup have already reached historic levels due to dynamic pricing, a system where prices rise or fall based on demand.
Key price trends:
- Many tickets initially sold for hundreds of dollars.
- Premium matches reached $1,000+ early in the sales cycle.
- The most expensive ticket for the World Cup Final reached $6,730, and after FIFA’s November price increase, that number climbed above $7,000.
With another ticket phase beginning December 11, most analysts expect prices to increase again, especially for matches featuring global powerhouses like:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- England
Matches between less popular teams may offer more affordable options, but availability and pricing remain uncertain.
Why World Cup Tickets Keep Getting More Expensive
FIFA’s variable pricing strategy adjusts ticket costs based on:
- Global demand
- Match popularity
- Team performance
- Remaining inventory
With record-breaking global interest in this World Cup, ticket prices across most matches are expected to remain high.
Where to Find the Latest World Cup Ticket Information
For fans seeking:
- Updated ticket prices
- Match-by-match breakdowns
- Availability alerts
- Lottery results
- Resale market trends