FIFA initiated the sale of an additional one million tickets for the upcoming World Cup on Monday by commencing a new ticket draw to kick off the tournament’s second sales phase. This draw, running until 11 a.m. Eastern Friday, features a special time slot exclusively for residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the three host countries. Fans from these nations selected in the draw will have the chance to purchase single-match tickets for games held in their respective countries.
The ticket sales phase is open to fans worldwide, regardless of their place of residence. Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer, highlighted the high global interest in the event, particularly within the host countries, as they gear up to host the largest FIFA World Cup to date.
Fans from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico participating in the draw before its closure on Friday stand a chance to secure a time slot for ticket purchases starting from November 12. The allocated slots will be distributed until November 15, with winners being notified at least 48 hours prior to their purchasing opportunity.
Initial ticket sales data revealed that residents of the host countries—U.S., Canada, and Mexico—purchased more tickets than any other nation during the first phase. Following the conclusion of the domestic exclusivity period, additional fans will become eligible to acquire tickets starting on November 17, with more tickets becoming available in subsequent sales phases as per FIFA.
With over one million tickets already sold for the upcoming World Cup, individuals from 212 different countries and territories have made purchases. Currently, 28 out of the 48 team spots in the tournament have been filled, setting the stage for an exciting event next year.
As fans gear up for the tournament, questions arise regarding visa requirements, particularly for those planning to visit the U.S. amidst stricter immigration policies. Notably, an international friendly match featuring Argentina’s national team had to be relocated due to sluggish ticket sales possibly influenced by immigration-related concerns.
The tournament, spanning 16 venues across North America, presents a significant seating capacity of approximately 7.1 million seats for 104 matches. Ticket prices vary, with the lowest-priced seats set at $60 for numerous matches, while premium seats fetch considerably higher prices, such as the opening match for the U.S. at Inglewood, Calif., which ranged from $560 to $2,735 upon initial sales.
Ticket options are categorized into four tiers, ranging from Category 1 offering premium seats to Category 4 situated at the upper levels of stadiums. Pricing for tickets is anticipated to fluctuate with dynamic pricing being introduced for the first time at this prestigious sporting event.
