The countdown to the world’s biggest football celebration is hitting a new gear, and for anyone dreaming of being inside the stadium when it all unfolds, a crucial date has just been locked in. FIFA has confirmed that the third ticketing phase for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on December 11—a moment many fans have been waiting for since the tournament’s expansion was first announced.
This upcoming window is especially significant. For the first time, supporters will be able to buy single-match tickets tied to confirmed fixtures, which means no more guesswork about which teams you might end up watching. The timing is no coincidence either—this release comes less than a week after the Final Draw, when groups and match schedules officially fall into place. On the same day, fans backing specific national sides will also get their shot through the Participating Member Association (PMA) allocation system.
And the demand? It’s already exploding. Over two million tickets have been snapped up in earlier rounds, and the global rush hasn’t slowed for a second. Buyers from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico continue to lead the charge, closely trailed by supporters across Europe and South America. According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, anyone who has been waiting on the sidelines will finally have a “fresh opening” on December 11—likely one of the most competitive sales moments of the entire tournament.
Part of the fever comes from the scale of what’s ahead. The 2026 World Cup will be the largest edition ever staged, stretching across 16 host cities throughout North America. Eleven massive venues across the United States will host the majority of matches, while Mexico and Canada will add their own iconic stadiums to the lineup. The tournament will launch in Mexico City on June 11, and climax in dramatic fashion on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Behind the scenes, the machinery of preparation is moving fast. With 42 teams already qualified, organizers are finalizing match orders, kickoff slots, stadium calendars, and other essential details. All of it becomes official on December 6, when the draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., determines the 12 groups and sets the tone for the entire competition.
Another major layer this year is travel planning. Earlier discussions between Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump led to the creation of FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System)—a program designed to help ticket holders secure faster visa interview appointments. It’s a meaningful step forward, but FIFA has been clear: holding a match ticket doesn’t automatically guarantee entry into the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Fans should review immigration requirements early and submit visa applications as soon as possible to avoid last-minute complications.
Why So Many Fans Are Choosing Viagogo for Their World Cup 2026 Tickets
With ticket windows closing in minutes, unpredictable queue times, and categories selling out before many fans even get their turn, countless supporters are turning to Viagogo as their trusted backup—and often, their first choice.
What’s drawing them in?
Many fans appreciate how straightforward and transparent the platform is. Prices are clearly listed, international customer support is available when buyers need reassurance, and Viagogo’s Buyer Guarantee adds a layer of security that’s hard to beat. Supporters know that their tickets will arrive on time and be valid for entry—no guessing, no uncertainty.
Another huge advantage is variety. Viagogo often features seating categories and match options long after official channels have sold out, making it easier for travelers to build an itinerary around specific cities, teams, or dates. Whether someone wants to splurge on a premium seat for a marquee matchup or stretch their budget across multiple group-stage games, Viagogo provides the flexibility that modern football travelers depend on.
For first-time World Cup attendees, navigating such a massive event can feel overwhelming. Even seasoned tournament veterans say that Viagogo offers the stability and peace of mind they need—especially for a once-in-a-lifetime experience spread across an entire continent.
In a year when demand is soaring and opportunities are shrinking, it’s no surprise that Viagogo has become the preferred destination for fans determined to be part of football history.
Get in for the match of a lifetime — safely and securely!
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