The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring soccer fans from around the world to the streets of Atlanta as eight matches are set for Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Officials for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, announced the group stage match-ups in December, allowing fans to purchase tickets knowing which teams are playing.
If you’re still hoping for a chance to see your favorite team play in Atlanta, the random selection phase of ticketing is almost over. Here’s your last chance to enter the draw.
The Random Selection Draw period, the third round of ticketing, opened Dec. 11 and will remain open until Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. ET.
When you enter the drawing during that time will not impact your chances of winning a chance to purchase tickets, officials said.
To enter the drawing, you can go to FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA account. You will then be asked to choose what team you root for, where you’d like to see a match and your contact information.
It’s important to look at the ticket pricing before registering for the draw. If chosen, you will be automatically charged for the tickets you have been awarded.
“Fans will be able to select which match(es), respective ticket category(ies), and number of tickets per match they’d like to purchase, subject to household restrictions,” FIFA officials said. “All successful and partially successful ticket applicants will receive communications via email and subsequently will be automatically charged for their tickets in February. A partially successful application indicates that a fan will receive the number of tickets requested to a match, but not all matches requested.”
If you don’t want to leave your World Cup dreams to chance, there are a few other options for purchasing tickets.
First, if you would only like to attend a game for a specific team, you may be eligible for a Participating Member Association. Each association has their own process of designating tickets, but members may be able to purchase tickets from a section of tickets pre-determined for supports of their team. Information about PMAs is available on the FIFA ticketing site.
Some fans can also purchase “premium, elevated matchday” ticket experiences through hospitality packages, found at FIFA.com/hospitality, or from On Location, the group curating the experiences for the World Cup.
Qatar Airways is also offering travel packages for out-of-town fans. The packages include match tickets in category 1 or 2, transport in the city and to and from the airport, hotel stays and domestic and international flights.
The FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace will be the last official outlet to buy match tickets. The marketplace will open on the FIFA ticketing site on Dec. 15.
Resale tickets may be available through other, unofficial outlets after that period.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.