The field of 48 teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, and now comes the final opportunity for fans to secure tickets. With just over two and a half months until kickoff of the largest football World Cup in history, FIFA is releasing a final batch of tickets. But, availability is limited, demand is high according to FIFA, and criticism regarding pricing persists. The German Press Agency (dpa) answers key questions for prospective attendees.
When Does Ticket Sales Commence?
The last-minute sales phase, currently the final chance to purchase World Cup tickets, begins today at 5:00 PM CEST (Central European Summer Time). Following a “first come, first served” basis, anyone with a FIFA account can purchase tickets for the tournament at www.fifa.com/tickets. “Fans will immediately see for which matches and categories tickets are available, can select their seats, complete the purchase, and receive confirmation after successful payment,” FIFA stated. Individuals who previously purchased tickets will find out their seat assignments today.
How Many Tickets Are Still Available?
FIFA has not disclosed the number of remaining tickets. However, the organization is confident it will break the attendance record set at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, where 3.5 million fans attended matches, according to the organization. This tournament will feature a record 104 games – more than any previous World Cup. “More than 500 million orders were received during the random selection phase alone,” FIFA reported. The total number of tickets sold to date has not been released.
Why is There Criticism of the Prices?
Specific pricing for the remaining tickets has not been communicated. However, last week, the European Consumer Organisation (Euroconsumers) and Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint with the European Commission against the world governing body regarding high World Cup ticket prices. The complaint alleges that FIFA is abusing its monopoly position to impose excessive prices and unfair conditions on fans. Ticket prices have increased significantly compared to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The secondary market as well sees prices skyrocket, with FIFA collecting 15 percent from both buyers and sellers.
What is FIFA’s Response to the Criticism?
In response to ongoing criticism, FIFA introduced a special contingent of tickets priced at $60 USD in mid-December 2025. However, these cheaper tickets are available in limited quantities. FIFA recently emphasized that it reinvests the revenue generated to “promote the growth of football – men’s, women’s, and youth – in all 211 member associations worldwide.” FIFA employs a variable pricing model for ticket sales, where prices fluctuate based on demand.
Is a Ticket Also an Entry Permit?
World Cup tickets do not grant entry into the host countries. German citizens traveling to Canada or the USA for tourism do not require a visa. However, an electronic travel authorization (eTA) must be obtained before traveling to Canada, costing seven Canadian dollars per person. The ESTA fee for travel to the USA is 40 US dollars per person.
What About Security?
Security in Mexico and the three host cities – Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara – has reportedly normalized more than a month after the death of a powerful drug lord. President Claudia Sheinbaum has provided a security guarantee for the World Cup. More than 100,000 soldiers, police officers, and private security personnel, along with drones and military aircraft, will be deployed to ensure a smooth event.
In the USA, a budget impasse poses significant challenges for the host cities. Local officials have warned that insufficient security personnel may be available if funding is not provided promptly.
Why Should Fans Without Tickets Still Be Excited?
Even those unable to secure tickets can enjoy the World Cup atmosphere through public viewings. The German cabinet has approved exceptions to noise protection regulations, allowing public broadcasts of matches to continue after 10:00 PM, pending approval from the federal states. The four most common kickoff times are 9:00 PM (19 matches), 3:00 AM (11 matches), 10:00 PM (10 matches), and midnight (9 matches) CEST.
When Will Germany’s Games Kick Off?
Germany will begin its tournament on June 14th in Houston against World Cup debutant Curaçao at 7:00 PM CEST. They will then face the Ivory Coast on June 20th in Toronto at 10:00 PM CEST. The group stage finale against Ecuador will be played on June 25th in East Rutherford, New York, also at 10:00 PM CEST. Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, is scheduled to announce the final squad on May 12th. Since the 2022 World Cup, the squad size limit has been set at 26 players.
dpa
Next Up: Keep an eye on FIFA’s official website, www.fifa.com, for any further updates regarding ticket availability and the latest tournament news. Don’t delay – the final window for securing your place at the 2026 World Cup is now open!
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