The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament in history, featuring 48 teams across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With ticket demand expected to break records, FIFA has launched an exclusive Visa cardholder presale that runs until September 19, 2025.

But here's what other coverage won't tell you: this isn't just about getting tickets—it's about maximizing your payment strategy to earn rewards while securing your World Cup experience.

Quick Answer: How to Get World Cup Tickets

The Visa Presale Draw (September 10-19, 2025) gives eligible Visa cardholders first access to enter a lottery for ticket purchasing opportunities starting October 1. Winners aren't guaranteed tickets, just the chance to buy them during designated time slots.

Key Requirements:

• Valid, unexpired Visa debit/credit/prepaid card with 3D Secure
• FIFA ID registration
• Primary or secondary cardholder status in good standing

The Current Visa Presale Draw: What You Need to Know

Eligibility Requirements

Not all Visa cards qualify for the presale. Your card must have:

• 3D Secure authentication enabled (most cards issued in the last 5 years have this)
• Unexpired status with good standing
• Primary or secondary cardholder designation (authorized users typically qualify)

Cards that qualify include:

• Most Visa credit cards from major issuers
• Visa debit cards from banks and credit unions
• Certain reloadable Visa prepaid cards

How the Process Actually Works

Unlike typical ticket sales, this is a multi-step process:

1. Registration Period: September 10-19, 2025 (no advantage to entering early)
2. Draw Results: Announced on or after September 29, 2025
3. Purchase Windows: Starting October 1, 2025 (if selected)

Important: Entering the draw costs nothing and doesn't guarantee tickets. Winners receive designated time slots to purchase available tickets.

What's Available During the Presale

Ticket Types and Pricing

Single Match Tickets:

• Group stage matches: Starting at $60
• Round of 16: Starting at $85
• Quarterfinals: Starting at $150
• Semifinals: Starting at $250
• Final: Starting at $400

Package Options:

• Venue-specific packages: All matches at one stadium
• Team-specific packages: Follow your favorite team through the tournament
• City packages: Multiple matches in the same metropolitan area

Payment Strategy: Maximizing Your World Cup Purchase

Here's where The Points Party approach differs from basic ticket coverage. Your World Cup ticket purchase could be a significant expense—potentially $500-2,000+ per person. That makes your payment method choice crucial.

Best Visa Cards for World Cup Tickets:

For Maximum Points:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3X points on travel-related purchases (if tickets code as travel)
• Capital One Venture X: 2X miles on all purchases (guaranteed earning)
• Citi Premier: 3X points on travel purchases

For Sign-up Bonuses: If you're planning a major ticket purchase, consider applying for a new card to meet minimum spend requirements. Cards with 50,000+ point bonuses can offset significant travel costs.

For Purchase Protection:

• Amex Platinum: Best purchase protection and customer service
• Chase Sapphire cards: Trip cancellation insurance if the tournament gets disrupted

What Happens After the Draw

If You Win the Draw

Winners receive email notifications with:

• Specific purchase window: Usually 24-48 hour slots
• Available inventory: Limited selection during your window
• Payment requirements: Must use the Visa card from your registration

Pro tip: Have backup payment methods ready. While you must use your registered Visa card, you might want to immediately transfer the purchase to a card with better rewards categories.

If You Don't Win (Or Don't Have a Visa Card)

FIFA has planned multiple subsequent phases:

Phase 2: Early Ticket Draw (October 27-31, 2025)

• Open to all fans regardless of payment method
• Similar lottery system
• No credit card restrictions

Phase 3: Random Selection Draw (After December 5, 2025)

• Follows the Final Draw that determines group stage matchups
• Application-based for specific matches
• Better odds as casual fans drop out

Phase 4: First-Come, First-Served (Spring 2026)

• Any remaining tickets
• Traditional online sale format
• Likely higher prices due to scarcity

The Official Resale Platform

FIFA plans to launch an official resale platform later this year. This could provide:

• Verified authentic tickets
• Face value pricing (no markup allowed)
• Secure transfer process
• Additional inventory from returned corporate allocations

Technical Issues and Workarounds

Based on early user reports, FIFA's ticketing website is experiencing significant issues:

Common Problems:

• Queue times exceeding 2 hours
• System timeouts during registration
• Error messages after completing forms
• Slow loading times during peak hours

Recommended Approach:

• Try accessing the site during off-peak hours (early morning/late evening)
• Use a stable internet connection (not mobile data)
• Have your FIFA ID and Visa card information ready
• Clear your browser cache before attempting registration
• Don't refresh the page while in queue

Planning Your World Cup Travel Strategy

Host Cities and Venue Considerations

The 2026 World Cup will span 16 cities across three countries:

United States: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle

Canada: Toronto, Vancouver

Mexico: Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey

Strategic considerations:

• Group stage: Multiple cities host matches
• Final stages: Concentrated in major metropolitan areas
• Final match: Likely in New York/New Jersey or Los Angeles

Travel Rewards Integration

Your World Cup trip represents a major travel expense. Consider:

Hotel Strategy:

• Book flexible rates with elite status
• Use points for expensive final weekend stays
• Consider vacation rental platforms in secondary markets

Flight Strategy:

• Book early for popular destinations (Los Angeles, New York)
• Consider alternative airports for savings
• Use miles for premium cabin upgrades during the tournament

Ground Transportation:

• Major cities will have transportation challenges
• Consider ride-sharing vs. rental cars
• Factor additional transportation costs into budgets

Money-Saving Strategies

Group Stage vs. Knockout Rounds

Group stage advantages:

• Lower ticket prices
• Multiple matches per venue
• Less travel between cities
• More flexible scheduling

Knockout stage considerations:

• Higher prices but guaranteed excitement
• Single-elimination format
• Concentrated in fewer venues
• Peak demand pricing

Alternative Viewing Experiences

If primary tickets prove too expensive:

Fan Festivals:

• Free public viewing areas in host cities
• Official FIFA events with food, entertainment
• Authentic World Cup atmosphere

Sports Bars and Venues:

• Many will offer special packages
• More affordable than stadium tickets
• Social viewing experience

Travel to Non-Host Cities:

• Cities like Las Vegas, Chicago might offer special events
• Lower accommodation costs
• Organized viewing parties

Timeline and Key Dates

September 19, 2025: Visa Presale Draw closes at 11:00 AM ET September 29, 2025: Draw results announced October 1, 2025: First ticket sales begin for winners October 27-31, 2025: Phase 2 registration opens December 5, 2025: Final Draw determines group stage matchups Spring 2026: First-come, first-served sales for remaining tickets June-July 2026:Tournament takes place

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter the draw with multiple Visa cards? FIFA's terms suggest one entry per person, regardless of how many eligible cards you hold.

What happens if I win but can't afford the tickets during my window? You forfeit your opportunity. Tickets aren't held or reserved beyond your designated purchase window.

Do business credit cards qualify for the presale? Yes, as long as they're Visa-branded and have 3D Secure authentication.

Can I buy tickets for friends and family? During your purchase window, you can typically buy multiple tickets, but all purchases must use your registered Visa card.

What if my Visa card expires between now and the sales window? Contact FIFA support to update your payment information. This could affect your eligibility.

Are hospitality packages worth the extra cost? If you can afford them, hospitality packages guarantee tickets and include additional perks like meals and premium seating.

How do I know if my Visa card has 3D Secure? Most cards issued after 2019 have this feature. Look for "Verified by Visa" messaging during online purchases.

Can I use points or miles to pay for World Cup tickets? Not directly through FIFA, but you could use a credit card that earns transferable points and redeem those for travel expenses.

Bottom Line

The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the world's biggest sporting event on home soil. While the Visa Presale Draw offers first access, it's just one of several chances to secure tickets.

The key is treating your ticket purchase as part of a broader travel rewards strategy. Whether you win the presale or wait for later phases, use payment methods that maximize rewards and provide protection for this significant purchase.

Most importantly, don't panic if you don't succeed in the first phase. FIFA has designed multiple opportunities specifically because they anticipate overwhelming demand. The beautiful game will find a way to reward patient, persistent fans.

Ready to enter the draw? Head to FIFA.com/tickets to register your FIFA ID and join the Visa Presale Draw before September 19, 2025. For more travel rewards strategies, check out our complete guide to maximizing travel credit cards.

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