The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City and yes, you can still go. Tickets remain on sale through FIFA’s Last-Minute Sales Phase, hotel bookings across host cities are running well below forecasts, and flights are bookable if you act now.
Here’s everything you need to plan a World Cup trip in the next three weeks.
Are Tickets Still Available?
Yes. FIFA’s Last-Minute Sales Phase opened on April 1, 2026 and runs through the end of the tournament on July 19. Tickets are sold first-come, first-served on FIFA.com/tickets — no ballot, no waiting period.
What’s available and what’s sold out
As of mid-May, over 80 group-stage matches still have inventory. However, 17 group-stage matches are sold out, including the opening match (Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City) and all three of Mexico’s group games.
Knockout-stage tickets are limited. No tickets for the final in New York/New Jersey are on general sale. Semifinal tickets remain available but start at roughly $9,660 (Front Category 1, Atlanta) and $11,130 (Dallas).
How much do tickets cost?
FIFA uses dynamic pricing for the first time at a World Cup, so costs fluctuate based on demand, matchday, and teams involved. FIFA also introduced a Supporter Entry Tier at $60 per ticket for all 104 matches — but availability is extremely limited (around 2% of total tickets) and allocated through member associations to qualifying fans. For general public buyers, the cheapest group-stage tickets start at $120. Here’s the current price landscape:
| Match Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supporter Entry Tier | $60 | All 104 matches; ~2% of tickets, allocated via member associations to qualifying fans |
| Cheapest group games (general public) | $120–$265 | Non-host-nation games; limited availability |
| Mid-range group games | $400–$1,120 | Most available matches |
| High-demand group games (USA, Argentina, Brazil) | $1,120–$4,105 | USA vs. Paraguay tops at $4,105 |
| Semifinals | $9,660–$11,130 | Front Cat. 1 only; limited availability |
For a detailed breakdown of how to buy tickets, see our complete World Cup 2026 ticketing guide.
FIFA’s official resale marketplace
If a specific match is sold out, FIFA’s Ticket Resale/Exchange Marketplace lets existing ticket holders resell at market rates. FIFA charges a 15% fee to buyers and a separate 15% fee to sellers. Prices on this platform can be significantly higher than face value.
The 16 Host Cities at a Glance
The tournament spans 16 cities across three countries, with 104 matches played over 39 days (June 11 – July 19). Here’s every venue:
United States (11 cities)
- New York/New Jersey — MetLife Stadium (final, July 19)
- Los Angeles — SoFi Stadium
- Dallas — AT&T Stadium (semifinal)
- Atlanta — Mercedes-Benz Stadium (semifinal)
- Miami — Hard Rock Stadium
- Philadelphia — Lincoln Financial Field
- Boston — Gillette Stadium
- San Francisco Bay Area — Levi’s Stadium
- Seattle — Lumen Field
- Houston — NRG Stadium
- Kansas City — GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Mexico (3 cities)
- Mexico City — Estadio Azteca (opening match, June 11)
- Guadalajara — Estadio Akron
- Monterrey — Estadio BBVA
Canada (2 cities)
For a full city-by-city planning breakdown, read our guide to planning your World Cup 2026 trip across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Hotels: Better Availability Than Expected
The anticipated hotel crunch hasn’t materialized. According to Skift, 80% of hoteliers across host cities say bookings are missing forecasts. FIFA organizers have released the majority of their reserved room blocks — with cancellations reaching 70–95% in some markets — back into the open market.
This is good news for last-minute planners. Rooms are available in most host cities, though prices vary significantly.
What to expect by city
- Houston is the most budget-friendly US host city, averaging around $205–$270/night — the lowest of all 16 venues.
- Kansas City averages around $220–$400/night, still among the more affordable options.
- Los Angeles remains relatively moderate due to its massive hotel inventory.
- Guadalajara and Monterrey have seen the steepest increases, over 200% in some cases.
- Vancouver is the priciest host city, with average rates exceeding $1,200/night during the tournament window.
FIFA hospitality packages
Official FIFA Hospitality packages through On Location are still available for over 100 matches across all three countries. These bundle match tickets with lounge access, food, and drink. Packages start around $3,350 per person for a 3-match group-stage bundle and go up to $73,200 for an 8-match package including the final. Call 1-844-652-1685 for inventory updates.
Visas & Entry: Three Countries, Three Sets of Rules
This World Cup spans three countries, which means you may need up to three different travel authorizations. Start this process immediately — visa processing times have increased due to World Cup demand.
United States
If you’re from a Visa Waiver Program country, apply for an ESTA ($40.27, valid 2 years). Everyone else needs a B1/B2 visitor visa — the application fee is $185, plus a new $250 Visa Integrity and Border Security Fee that applies to most nonimmigrant visa holders (ESTA users are exempt). As of May 2026, the $250 fee has been signed into law but implementation guidance from embassies is still pending — check the US State Department’s World Cup visa page for the latest.
Ticket holders who need a US visa appointment can use FIFA PASS (FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System) for expedited interview scheduling. It’s free and available through FIFA.com.
Canada
Visitors need either a visitor visa or an eTA (C$7, applied online). There is no special World Cup visa — you enter as a tourist. Having a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval.
Mexico
Citizens of most countries can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. If you require a visa, apply through your nearest Mexican consulate. Processing times vary by country.
For a detailed visa guide by nationality, see our guide to getting a US visa for the World Cup and our World Cup visa overview.
Getting Between Host Cities
With venues spread across four time zones and three countries, getting between matches requires planning.
By train
Amtrak has a dedicated World Cup page with station-by-stadium guides for all US and Canadian host cities. Key highlights:
- Seattle‘s stadium is a 10-minute walk from King Street Station.
- San Francisco Bay Area’s Levi’s Stadium is 10 minutes from Santa Clara Station.
- Northeast Corridor cities (Boston, New York, Philadelphia) are connected by Acela and regional trains.
- Amtrak recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before departure on match days and booking early — this is expected to be the busiest period in the company’s 55-year history.
By air
Domestic US flights between host cities are running above normal summer fares, though prices have softened somewhat from earlier forecasts. Budget-friendly hubs like Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta typically offer the most competitive fares. Compare options on Wego across airlines and dates.
Cross-border travel
If you’re attending matches in multiple countries, factor in border crossing logistics. Ensure you have valid travel documents for each country before booking. Flying between the US and Canada or Mexico is the most practical option — direct flights connect most host cities.
What a Realistic Last-Minute Trip Costs
Here’s a rough budget framework for a last-minute 5-day World Cup trip attending two group-stage matches, based on current May 2026 pricing:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2 group-stage tickets (mid-range) | $800–$2,400 |
| Round-trip international flight | $800–$2,500 |
| Hotel (5 nights, mid-range) | $750–$2,000 |
| Local transport, food, match-day expenses | $500–$800 |
| Visa/ESTA fees (ESTA: $40.27; B1/B2 visa: $185+) | $40–$185+ |
| Total | $2,890–$7,885+ |
Choosing budget-friendly host cities like Houston or Kansas City over New York or Vancouver can cut your total by 40% or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still buy tickets in May 2026?
Yes. FIFA’s Last-Minute Sales Phase is open and runs through July 19 on FIFA.com/tickets. Over 80 group-stage matches still have inventory, though 17 are sold out.
Do I need a visa for all three host countries?
Only if you’re attending matches in all three. Each country has its own entry requirements. The US requires ESTA or a B1/B2 visa, Canada requires an eTA or visitor visa, and Mexico is visa-free for most nationalities. See our World Cup visa guide for details by nationality.
What is FIFA PASS?
FIFA PASS (Priority Appointment Scheduling System) gives World Cup ticket holders expedited access to US visa interview appointments. It’s free. Read our full FIFA PASS explainer.
Are hotels in host cities sold out?
No. Hotel bookings are running below expectations across most host cities, and FIFA has released most of its reserved room blocks back to the market. You can compare hotels on Wego for current availability and rates.
What is the new $60 Supporter Entry Tier ticket?
FIFA introduced a Supporter Entry Tier at $60 per ticket for all 104 matches in response to fan criticism over high prices. However, availability is extremely limited — roughly 2% of all tickets — and they are allocated through member associations to loyal fans who have supported their national team. They are not available for general public purchase on FIFA.com.
Sources
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 Tickets
- FIFA — Last-Minute Sales Phase Announcement
- FIFA — New Supporter Entry Tier Pricing
- FIFA — Resale/Exchange Marketplace
- FIFA — Resale Marketplace Buyer Fees
- FIFA — Host Countries and Cities
- FIFA — Travel, Visas, and FIFA PASS
- FIFA — Official Hospitality Packages
- US State Department — FIFA World Cup 2026 Visas
- Canada.ca — What You Need to Enter Canada for FIFA World Cup 26
- Amtrak — Take a Train to the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Skift — 80% of Hotels Say World Cup Bookings Are Missing Forecasts (May 4, 2026)
- AFAR — Last-Minute World Cup Trips May Be Easier and Cheaper Than Expected
- VisaHQ — ESTA Fee Now $40.27 (May 2026)
- PBS NewsHour — World Cup Ticket Prices Still on General Sale (May 2, 2026)
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
