FIFA warns fans against purchasing 2026 World Cup tickets from resale websites

FIFA has issued a warning to fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup, urging them to avoid purchasing tickets from “unofficial ticketing websites” and emphasizing that individual tickets will not be available until late 2025.

Several unauthorized resale sites, particularly in the United States and Mexico, have reportedly begun advertising speculative ticket sales for the tournament. However, hospitality packages will be available to fans starting at the end of 2024.

A FIFA spokesperson said that “FIFA.com/tickets is FIFA’s unique official sales channel for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets, with sales expected to begin no earlier than late 2025.”

They added: “FIFA encourages any fan wishing to purchase tickets for the FIFA World Cup 26 to be wary of non-FIFA official ticketing websites that claim to be selling tickets already and only purchase tickets from the official and legitimate source (FIFA.com/tickets) from late 2025.

“Fans wishing to receive information on how to apply for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets should register at FIFA.com/tickets and follow the simple registration instructions. FIFA will keep registered fans up to date with the latest news and information regarding FIFA World Cup 26 tickets.”

While FIFA did not confirm whether legal action will be pursued against resale platforms, this isn’t the first time that world football’s governing body has tackled unauthorized ticket sales.

In 2018, FIFA filed a criminal complaint against viagogo for offering fraudulent tickets to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, citing a violation of unfair competition.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

On Saturday, FIFA announced it had teamed up with Global Citizen for the first World Cup final half-time show in 2026 — a foreign concept in global football, but a beloved tradition in American football.

(AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)