The Random Selection Draw, the third and final phase of 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket applications, has officially ended after running from December 11, 2025 to January 13, 2026. Fans who submitted requests during this window now face an anxious wait to learn whether they secured seats for soccer’s global showcase.
At a Glance
- Random Selection Draw closed January 13 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT
- Results emails will arrive no earlier than February 5, 2026
- Automatic payment processing begins February 9 for successful applicants
- Last-chance sales and resale marketplace remain as fallback options
Why it matters: With more than 5 million ticket requests already received across all phases, competition is fierce for the remaining inventory before the tournament kicks off June 11.
What Happens Next in the Ticket Process
FIFA will begin notifying applicants via email starting Thursday, February 5. Messages will come from two official addresses:
Applicants can also check their status anytime by logging into their FIFA ticketing account. Those who receive successful or partially successful allocations will see automatic charges starting Sunday, February 9.
How the Random Selection Draw Works
Unlike first-come-first-served sales, this phase placed all submitted applications into a lottery system. Each request received equal consideration regardless of when it was filed during the month-long window. FIFA then ran a computerized random selection to determine which tickets would be allocated.
Submitting an application did not guarantee tickets. The system only processes requests based on availability after the draw concludes.
Previous Sales Phases
The Random Selection Draw followed two earlier opportunities:
- Visa Presale Draw – Exclusive to Visa cardholders
- Early Ticket Draw – Open to all fans before general public phases
These initial rounds began in late 2025 and targeted different fan segments before opening to broader audiences.
Still Need Tickets? Your Options
Fans who missed out in the Random Selection Draw have several remaining paths to secure seats:
Last-Minute Sales Phase
Closer to the tournament start, FIFA will release any remaining inventory on a first-come-first-served basis. No draw or lottery applies – fastest fingers win.
FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace
Available at FIFA.com/tickets, this peer-to-peer platform lets fans buy and sell tickets. Availability depends entirely on other supporters listing their seats, so nothing is guaranteed.
Hospitality Packages
Premium options include match tickets combined with food, beverages, and lounge access. View options at FIFA.com/hospitality.
Tournament Details and Prize Money
The 2026 World Cup runs from Thursday, June 11 through the final in July. The expanded 48-team format means more matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA has allocated significant prize money for participating nations:
| Placement | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Champion | $50 million |
| Runner-up | $33 million |
| Third place | $29 million |
| Fourth place | $27 million |
Key Dates to Remember
- December 11, 2025: Random Selection Draw opens
- January 13, 2026: Application window closes at 11 a.m. ET
- February 5, 2026: Results emails begin
- February 9, 2026: Automatic payment processing starts
- June 11, 2026: Tournament kicks off
What to Watch For in Your Email
Successful applicants will receive detailed confirmation including:
- Match details (teams, date, venue)
- Seat location and category
- Total cost breakdown
- Payment confirmation
Unsuccessful fans will receive polite rejection notices encouraging them to try the last-minute sales phase.
Preparing for Last-Minute Sales
Those still seeking tickets should:
- Create or verify FIFA ticketing account credentials now
- Have payment method ready and verified
- Monitor FIFA.com/tickets for announcements
- Follow official FIFA communications channels
- Consider flexible match preferences rather than specific high-demand games
The combination of expanded tournament size and North American host cities has generated unprecedented demand. Organizers expect the final sales phases to move quickly once launched.
Key Takeaways
The Random Selection Draw represents the final guaranteed opportunity to apply for 2026 World Cup tickets through FIFA’s official process. With results arriving February 5 and automatic payments processing February 9, successful fans can begin planning their tournament experience. Those who miss out must rely on last-minute sales or the resale marketplace, where availability remains uncertain until closer to kickoff.
