World Cup
Race Begins for the Hottest Tickets on Earth: FIFA World Cup 26 Sales Kick Off September 10
FIFA has officially announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, as anticipation builds for what is being billed as the biggest and most inclusive tournament in the history of the competition.
Football fans around the world are urged to visit FIFA.com/tickets to register their interest and create a FIFA ID in preparation for the first ticket sales window.
“Following the incredible success of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, excitement is reaching new heights for the FIFA World Cup 26,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever.”
The 2026 tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, significantly expanding from the previous 32-team format.
An estimated 6.5 million fans are expected to attend, making it the largest FIFA World Cup ever.
The action begins on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Mexico City, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at the New York-New Jersey stadium—venue of last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup™ final.
That tournament welcomed nearly 2.5 million fans across 11 U.S. cities, laying a solid foundation for the World Cup spectacle to come.
Ticket sales for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be conducted in multiple phases, beginning with the 10 September draw.
Each phase will feature unique purchasing processes, payment methods, and ticket types. Full details on the various phases will be shared in the coming months.
Fans are reminded that only those who have registered on FIFA.com/tickets and obtained a FIFA ID will be eligible to apply for tickets when the window opens.
Hospitality packages, including the “Follow My Team” option for group and round-of-32 matches, are already available for purchase at FIFA.com/hospitality.
Importantly, FIFA has emphasised that tickets should only be purchased through official FIFA channels to avoid invalid or fraudulent sales. Fans must also check with host country authorities regarding entry requirements, as a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval or access.
Visa, FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner, remains the preferred payment method for all ticket and hospitality purchases.
The Final Draw for the tournament will take place in December 2025, after which teams will be assigned to venues and match schedules, including confirmed kick-off times.
With global anticipation growing, FIFA encourages fans to start preparing now to witness football history unfold in North America.
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The following is a list of teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
UNITED STATES
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Third place (1930)
MEXICO:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)
CANADA:
Taking part as hosts
Best performance: Group stage (1986, 2022)
JAPAN
Qualified on March, 20.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)
NEW ZEALAND
Qualified on March, 24.
Best performance: Group stage (1982, 2010)
IRAN
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Group stage (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022)
ARGENTINA
Qualified on March, 25.
Best performance: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
UZBEKISTAN
Qualified on June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
SOUTH KOREA
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Fourth place (2002)
JORDAN
Qualified June, 5.
Best performance: Never previously qualified.
AUSTRALIA
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
BRAZIL
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Winners (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002)
ECUADOR
Qualified June, 10.
Best performance: Round of 16 (2006)
URUGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Winners (1930, 1950)
COLOMBIA
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2014)
PARAGUAY
Qualified September, 4.
Best performance: Quarter-finals (2010)
MOROCCO
Qualified September, 5.
Best performance: Semi-finals (2022)
TUNISIA
Qualified September, 8.
Best performance: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022)
EGYPT
Qualified October, 8.
Best performance: Round of 16 (1934)
-Reuters
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Egypt became the third African country to book a berth at next year’s World Cup finals with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday that secured them top place in Group A with one game remaining.
Egypt, who have competed at three previous World Cups, join fellow north African nations Morocco and Tunisia at the 2026 tournament in North America.
-Reuters
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Russia-based forward Olakunle Olusegun is still awaiting an entry visa to South Africa, creating the possibility that Nigeria may prosecute the encounter with only 21 available players.
Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players available for Wednesday’s second training session, as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the tie against the Crocodiles.
By Tuesday night, 18 players had checked into the team’s camp at The Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams expected to join on Wednesday. United States-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is due to arrive on Thursday.
Chelle has had to adjust his squad following injuries to Bright Osayi-Samuel and Cyriel Dessers, prompting the late inclusion of Zaidu Sanusi and Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace. Earlier, a knock to wing-back Felix Agu had reduced the initial 23-man roster to 22.
Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday
Friday’s Matchday 9 fixture will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time) at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, as the Super Eagles aim to strengthen their position in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race.
21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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