The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to North America. For international football fans, this is a rare opportunity to experience the world’s biggest sporting event while visiting the United States. Whether you’re following your national team or simply want to catch the action in person, attending a match featuring the host nation adds an extra layer of atmosphere and energy. Here’s everything you need to know about securing FIFA World Cup tickets to USA matches and making the journey to watch them.
The USA’s Group Stage Schedule
The U.S. Men’s National Team has been drawn into Group D and will play all three group stage matches on the West Coast:
- June 12 — USA vs. Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM local)
- June 19 — USA vs. Australia at Lumen Field, Seattle (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM local)
- June 25 — USA vs. TBD (UEFA playoff winner) at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM local)
The final group opponent will be determined in March 2026 from among Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo.
If the USA advances, knockout-round matches could take place in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, or Atlanta, all the way through to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Tickets for these Fifa World Cup 2026 matches will be highly in demand; therefore, you must buy as early as possible.
How to Buy FIFA World Cup Tickets from Outside the United States
FIFA’s Official Ticketing Portal
The only official source for FIFA World Cup tickets is FIFA.com/tickets. This is where all international fans should start, regardless of which country you’re traveling from.
FIFA’s ticketing process works in phases:
Lottery Sales (Current Phase): You submit a ticket application for the matches you want to attend. If your application is selected in the random draw, you’ll receive the opportunity to purchase. This is your best chance at face-value pricing, which ranges from approximately $60 to $620 USD depending on seating category.
Post-Draw Sales (Now Open): Following the December 2025 draw, individual FIFA World Cup tickets became available for direct purchase through FIFA’s portal. Current prices for group-stage matches range from $1,400 to $3,500 USD, with pricing fluctuating based on demand.
First-Come, First-Served (Spring 2026): FIFA will release any remaining FIFA World Cup tickets as the tournament approaches. Availability will be minimal for high-demand fifa world cup matches, such as USA games.
FIFA Resale Marketplace: FIFA operates an official ticket exchange platform where fans can resell FIFA World Cup tickets at market prices. This is the safest secondary option for international buyers, as all tickets are verified through FIFA’s system. The marketplace is open to residents of Canada, the United States, and all other countries.
Secondary Ticket Marketplaces
Platforms like StubHub list FIFA World Cup tickets, often at premium prices. Some Fifa World Cup 2026 group stage matches list for around $300- $400 USD, while USA matches command higher prices.
If you go this route, stick to established platforms with buyer protection policies. Unfortunately, major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup attract ticket scams, and international buyers are particularly vulnerable since disputing fraudulent transactions across borders can be difficult.
Significant: No Stadium Sales
There will be no ticket windows at the stadiums. All fifa tickets purchases must be made online in advance through FIFA’s portal. Plan accordingly.
Understanding Ticket Categories and Pricing
FIFA divides stadium seating into four categories:
| Category | Location | Lottery Price Range |
| Category 1 | Lower tier, closest to the pitch | $450–620 USD |
| Category 2 | Mixed lower and upper tier | $300–450 USD |
| Category 3 | Upper tier | $150–300 USD |
| Category 4 | Upper tier, furthest from action | $60–150 USD |
These prices apply only to tickets obtained through the lottery. General sale and resale prices are significantly higher, typically starting at $1,400+ for group stage matches.
Hospitality packages, which bundle tickets with premium amenities and guaranteed entry to multiple matches, start around $5,300 USD and can exceed $8,000 depending on the team and venue.
Planning Your Trip to the United States
Securing tickets is only half the challenge. Here’s what else you need to consider.
Entry Requirements
Most international visitors will need either a visa or travel authorization to enter the United States:
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Citizens of 41 countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and others, can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization instead of a traditional visa. ESTA approval is typically quick, but you should apply at least 72 hours before travel, and ideally much earlier.
B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa: Travelers from countries not covered by the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Processing times vary significantly by country and can take weeks or months. If you’re coming from a country that requires a visa interview, start this process as early as possible.
Canadian Citizens: Canadians generally don’t need a visa or ESTA for short tourist visits.
Given the scale of the World Cup, U.S. consulates in football-passionate countries may see increased visa application volumes in early 2026. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Accommodation and Logistics
Los Angeles and Seattle, the two cities hosting USA group stage matches, are major metropolitan areas with extensive hotel options. That said, expect prices to surge during match weeks.
A few practical tips:
- Book early. Hotel rates near SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, near LAX) and Lumen Field (downtown Seattle) will climb as the tournament approaches. Consider neighborhoods slightly farther out with good transit connections.
- Check flight availability. Direct routes from Europe, Asia, and South America to Los Angeles are plentiful. Seattle has fewer international connections but is well-served from Asia and select European cities.
- Factor in travel between matches. If you’re attending the June 12 match in LA and the June 19 match in Seattle, you’ll need to plan your journey between the two cities. It’s a 2.5-hour flight or a very long drive.
- Understand the geography. The United States is large. If you’re hoping to catch matches in multiple cities, study the schedule carefully. Some back-to-back matches may require cross-country travel.
Local Transportation
Neither Los Angeles nor Seattle requires a car to attend matches, but having one expands your options.
SoFi Stadium is accessible via the LA Metro, though service can be crowded on event days. Rideshares and shuttles are also available.
Lumen Field is in downtown Seattle, with excellent public transit access via light rail and buses.
Beyond USA Matches
Additionally, if your schedule or budget doesn’t align with USA group stage games, remember that 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches will be played in the United States, including all quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
The complete list of U.S. host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
Mexico (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey) and Canada (Toronto, Vancouver) will each host 13 matches.
Start Planning Now
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, with 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations. Demand for FIFA World Cup tickets, flights, and hotels will be intense.
If you’re serious about attending, take these steps now:
- Create a FIFA account and register at FIFA.com/tickets
- Enter the next ticket lottery phase when it opens
- Monitor the FIFA Resale Marketplace for availability
- Confirm your visa or ESTA eligibility and begin any required applications
- Research flights and accommodation in your target cities
With the proper preparation, next summer could find you in the stands watching the world’s best compete on American soil.
