FIFA World Cup 2026: how to secure tickets for the tournament? A practical guide.

For French supporters hoping to catch the Blues in Canada, the United States, or Mexico, securing the coveted ticket is no stroll in the park. Forget the usual sales route: most tickets go through a multi-phase lottery system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to maximize your chances.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is much more than a mere sporting event; it’s a transcontinental adventure that draws fans from all over the globe. For French football fans, seeing the Blues perform on North American soil—from stadiums in New York to those in Mexico—has long been a dream. But how can you secure a seat in the stands amid record global demand?

The access to the coveted tickets for the 2026 World Cup is strictly regulated by FIFA. Forget traditional buying methods: the process hinges on a complex lottery system and specific sale phases. To secure a ticket and soak up the unique atmosphere of this enormous tournament, meticulous preparation is essential.

This guide lays out the official steps and strategies to follow to secure your place in the lineup for matches, whether you’re aiming for a game in Canada, the United States, or Mexico.

The Schedule

Supporter registrations : Sign up via a form that will grant you access starting Thursday, December 11 to the ticketing for France’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
Ticket requests from December 11 to January 13 : You will receive on December 11 an email containing your unique code to access the FIFA ticketing platform dedicated to French supporters. You can then request tickets until January 13 for the group stage and/or the knockout rounds featuring the Blues. Note that a request does not guarantee tickets.
Ticket allocation in February : A draw will be held among all ticket requests. If you are selected, your request will be automatically confirmed and your payment method charged. You will then receive an email from FIFA confirming the allocation of your tickets.

Sign up for FIFA's ticketing

The first step, and the most crucial, is to register on FIFA's official site. This isn’t about buying tickets yet—it’s about showing your interest. By signing up for the Portail de Billetterie de la FIFA, you’ll receive alerts from the organization about when the different sale phases open. These phases are typically divided into two categories:

Lottery ticketing: Fans request seats for specific matches or teams. When demand exceeds supply (which is always the case), a random draw is held.
Last-minute sales: Unclaimed or returned tickets go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis, usually just before the tournament.

Identify Ticket Packages and Ticket Categories

There are several ticketing options on offer. It’s crucial to define your strategy:

Individual Tickets (MAT): For a single, hard-to-get match.
“Team-Specific” Tickets (TST): A package that guarantees you’ll see your team (France, for example) across all of its group-stage games.
Hospitality Packages: The priciest option, but it guarantees a seat. They include premium services (meals, private lounges) and are often the surest way to secure access if your budget allows.

Sales Reserved for National Federations (FFF)

French national team supporters get an extra chance. FIFA allocates a small share of tickets to each participating federation. The French Football Federation (FFF) is launching a program for its supporters:

You generally need to register with the FFF to receive a unique priority-access code.
That code lets you request tickets on FIFA's platform. It's the best way to secure seats in the French supporters’ section.

Planning the Overall Budget

Rising prices make the 2026 World Cup potentially a budget-buster for fans. It’s essential to factor in the steep costs of intercontinental flights and living on site. A round-trip Paris-North America flight during peak season (June/July) can easily exceed €1,000 per person.

Moreover, staying in the 16 host cities (mainly across the United States and Canada) will see hotel and Airbnb prices soar. If you’re planning to follow several matches in different countries, you’ll also need to budget for: domestic flights (often pricey and unavoidable in North America), the costs of administrative formalities (ESTA or AVE visa fees), and a daily allowance for meals and local transport—particularly steep in cities like Vancouver or New York.

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