When Do World Cup Tickets Go On Sale?

Key Takeaways:

• FIFA typically releases World Cup tickets in phases beginning about one year before the tournament.
• Tickets are often sold through a lottery system first, followed by first-come, first-served sales closer to the event.
• Buying from a trusted marketplace with all-in pricing and no hidden fees, like TickPick, helps you avoid surprises at checkout.

If you are a soccer fan, the FIFA World Cup sits at the very top of the bucket list. The tournament occurs only every four years, and demand for tickets is massive. That leads many fans to ask the same question: when do World Cup tickets go on sale?

The short answer is that tickets usually go on sale about a year before the tournament. However, the process is not quite that simple. FIFA releases tickets in multiple phases, some of which rely on a random lottery rather than traditional first-come, first-served sales.

Understanding how the ticket process works can make the difference between watching history unfold in person and following along from home. In this guide, we will walk through the typical World Cup ticket timeline, how the application system works, and how you can improve your chances of getting seats.

When Do World Cup Tickets Go On Sale?

Historically, FIFA begins selling World Cup tickets about 10 to 12 months before the tournament kicks off. The sales process unfolds in several phases to manage demand and give fans around the world a fair chance to attend.

For example, ticket sales for the 2022 tournament in Qatar began in early 2022, even though the tournament did not start until November of that year. FIFA used multiple sales windows, allowing fans to apply for tickets and purchase them once the lottery results were announced.

While the exact dates can vary from tournament to tournament, the general pattern remains fairly consistent. Fans should expect multiple ticket releases throughout the year leading up to the tournament.

These phases often include:

• A random selection lottery phase
• A first-come, first-served phase
• A last-minute sales phase closer to the event

Because the tournament is the most-watched sporting event in the world, tickets can sell out quickly once they become available. The earlier you prepare, the better your chances of securing seats.

How Does the FIFA World Cup Ticket Sales Process Work?

FIFA uses a structured ticket distribution system to give fans around the world access to the event. Instead of selling every ticket at once, FIFA divides sales into phases.

Lottery Application Phase

The first World Cup ticket release typically works through a random selection lottery. During this stage, fans submit ticket applications through FIFA’s official ticket portal.

Applying does not guarantee tickets. Instead, FIFA randomly selects successful applicants once the application window closes. This process helps prevent ticketing websites from crashing during high demand and ensures that fans from different countries have a chance to attend.

Fans may apply for several types of tickets during this phase, including:

• Individual match tickets
• Venue-specific ticket packages
• Team-specific ticket packages

The number of applications far exceeds the number of available seats, which is why many fans look to secondary marketplaces if they do not secure tickets in the lottery.

First-Come, First-Served Sales Phase

Once the lottery concludes, FIFA typically opens another ticket window during which fans can purchase remaining inventory on a first-come, first-served basis. This phase tends to move quickly, and popular matches often sell out within minutes.

Fans who want to attend the World Cup should monitor announcements closely and log in early when new ticket phases open.

Last-Minute Sales Phase

FIFA usually releases additional tickets closer to the tournament start date. These releases can include:

• Returned tickets
• Unclaimed inventory
• Newly allocated seats

Last-minute opportunities sometimes appear even weeks before kickoff.

What Types of World Cup Tickets Are Available?

Not all World Cup tickets work the same way. FIFA offers several  World Cup ticket categories designed to meet different fan preferences. Understanding these options can help you decide which type of ticket works best for you.

Individual Match Tickets

These tickets provide entry to a single match. Fans can choose from group stage games all the way through the championship final. This option offers flexibility if you only want to attend one or two specific games.

Team-Specific Ticket Packages

Team-specific packages allow fans to follow their favorite national soccer team throughout the tournament.

These tickets typically cover:

• All group stage matches for the selected team
• Potential knockout round matches if the team advances

Fans who want to travel with their national team supporters often prefer this package.

Venue-Specific Ticket Packages

Venue packages give fans access to every match played at a specific stadium. This option appeals to travelers who want to stay in one city while attending multiple games.

Why Are World Cup Tickets So Hard To Get?

Demand for World Cup tickets is enormous. Billions of people watch the World Cup worldwide, making in-person attendance incredibly competitive. 

Several factors contribute to the difficulty:

• The number of matches is limited. Even with expanded stadium capacities, there are only so many seats available.
• International travel adds complexity. Fans from dozens of countries apply for tickets simultaneously.
• The tournament only happens every four years. That creates pent-up demand from fans who have waited years for the opportunity.

The combination of these factors means that even dedicated fans may not secure tickets during the official FIFA sales phases.

Can You Buy World Cup Tickets After They Sell Out?

Yes. Fans can still find tickets after the initial FIFA sales phases end.

Secondary marketplaces often offer another path to attend the tournament, especially if you missed the lottery or the first sales window.

Platforms like TickPick allow fans to browse available seats with all-in pricing and no hidden fees, which means the price you see is the price you pay.

That kind of transparency can make a big difference during high-demand events like the World Cup, where extra service charges sometimes appear at checkout on other platforms.

Our BestPrice Guarantee at TickPick helps fans feel confident they are getting strong value when searching for tickets. If you plan to attend the tournament, monitoring ticket availability across both official and resale markets can improve your chances of finding seats.

What Are Some Tips for Getting World Cup Tickets?

Even though demand is intense, a few smart strategies can help improve your chances of attending the tournament.

Apply Early

Submitting your application during the first lottery phase increases your chances of securing tickets. If you miss the first phase, you may still be able to participate in later sales windows.

Stay Flexible

Fans who are flexible about which match they attend often have better luck finding tickets. For example, group-stage games typically have more availability than the final or semifinal games.

Monitor Ticket Releases

FIFA releases tickets in multiple phases throughout the year. Keeping an eye on announcements from reputable news sources can help you stay informed when new sales windows open.

Consider Resale Marketplaces

If official tickets sell out, resale platforms may still offer seats. Using a marketplace that provides all-in pricing with no hidden fees helps ensure you know the full ticket cost upfront.

Wrapping Up: World Cup Ticket Sales

So, when do World Cup tickets go on sale? In most tournaments, the process begins about a year before kickoff and unfolds across multiple sales phases.

Fans typically start with a lottery-style application process before additional tickets become available through first-come, first-served releases. Because demand is so high, tickets can disappear quickly.

Planning ahead, staying flexible, and monitoring ticket availability can significantly improve your chances of attending the world’s biggest soccer tournament.

If the official sales phases don’t work out for you, turn to marketplaces like TickPick. At TickPick, we help you continue the search with all-in pricing and no hidden fees, so the ticket price you see is exactly what you pay.

If you’re traveling across the world to watch the game, the last thing you want is a surprise at checkout.

FAQs

When do World Cup tickets go on sale?

World Cup tickets typically go on sale about 10 to 12 months before the tournament begins. FIFA releases them in multiple phases, including a lottery system and first-come, first-served sales.

How much do World Cup tickets cost?

Ticket prices vary depending on the match and seat category. Group stage games generally cost less, while knockout round matches and the final command much higher prices.

Can anyone apply for World Cup tickets?

Yes. Fans from around the world can apply for tickets through FIFA’s official ticketing platform during the application window.

Are World Cup tickets transferable?

Many World Cup tickets can be transferred or resold according to FIFA’s ticketing policies. Fans who cannot attend sometimes list their tickets through approved resale channels.

What is the best way to buy World Cup tickets?

Applying during the official FIFA ticket phases is the first step. If those tickets sell out, checking trusted marketplaces that offer all-in pricing and no hidden fees, like TickPick, can help you find available seats.