Last Chance: FIFA 2026 Ticket Draw Tomorrow
Final hours to enter FIFA World Cup 2026 Random Selection Draw. Learn the lottery process, ticket sales figures, and avoid common scams before Jan 13.
FIFA World Cup 2026
By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | January 12, 2026
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Time is running out for soccer fans hoping to secure tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Random Selection Draw, the third phase of ticket sales, closes tomorrow, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET. This marks your last chance to enter the lottery for tickets to specific matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How the Lottery System Works
The Random Selection Draw is open to anyone interested in applying to purchase tickets through FIFA.com/tickets. Unlike previous phases, this is the first opportunity for fans to apply for single-match tickets knowing exactly which teams will play where and when, following December's final draw that determined the group stage matchups.
The process is straightforward: fans create a FIFA account, select their desired matches and seating categories, and provide payment information. After the application period closes, a random draw determines which applicants receive tickets, with successful applicants automatically charged in February. The timing of your application doesn't affect your chances—entries submitted on December 11 have the same odds as those entered tomorrow morning.
Ticket Sales Across Host Nations
Nearly two million tickets have been sold across the first two sales phases, the Visa Presale Draw and Early Ticket Draw. The highest demand came from buyers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with purchasers from 212 different countries and territories. While FIFA hasn't released specific breakdowns by host nation, the overwhelming interest from the three host countries demonstrates the massive appetite for tickets.
What Comes Next
After tomorrow's deadline, fans still have options. Closer to the tournament in Spring 2026, fans will be able to purchase remaining tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, though availability will be extremely limited. The official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace, which launched on December 15, allows fans to buy and sell tickets legally through FIFA.com/tickets.
For those seeking guaranteed access, hospitality packages remain available through FIFA's official partner On Location at FIFA.com/hospitality, and Qatar Airways offers all-inclusive travel packages that include match tickets, transport, hotel stays, and flights.
Five Critical Ticket Scams to Avoid
With demand far exceeding supply, scammers are targeting desperate fans. Here are five red flags to watch for:
- Third-Party Resale Sites: Websites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Viagogo are listing tickets before official sales complete, with some listings showing incorrect match details. These tickets may be speculative or completely fake.
- Social Media Offers: Fans should avoid third-party sellers and social media advertisements, as these are frequently fraudulent schemes targeting unsuspecting buyers.
- Paper Tickets: FIFA will only issue mobile tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Anyone offering physical paper tickets or printouts is running a scam.
- Wire Transfers and Gift Cards: Sellers requesting wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments are 100 percent fraudulent. Always use credit cards for purchase protection.
- "Street Sellers" Outside Stadiums: Ticket brokers warn against buying from anyone on the street, even outside the venue, as scammers travel specifically to work major events.
The golden rule: only purchase tickets through FIFA.com/tickets. Any other source risks leaving you with worthless tickets and out hundreds or thousands of dollars. With the tournament just five months away, protecting yourself from fraud is as important as securing your seat at soccer's biggest event.
Elke Porter at:
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