The Deal

The world's biggest sporting event just opened its doors to Visa cardholders first. FIFA announced that any Visa cardholder can enter an exclusive presale draw from September 10-19 for first dibs on World Cup 2026 tickets. This isn't just early access—it's your best shot at face value tickets instead of paying inflated secondary market prices that'll likely be 5-10x higher.

Key Details

• Application Window: September 10-19, 2025 (10 days only)
• Who's Eligible: Any Visa cardholder worldwide
• Selection Process: Random draw, results by September 30
• Purchase Window: October 2025 (you'll get assigned time slots)
• Payment Method: Visa cards ONLY during first phase
• What's at Stake: Tickets for 104 matches across 16 cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico

Why This Matters

Here's the thing—World Cup tickets are the holy grail of sports travel. The last World Cup saw secondary market prices hit $20,000+ for final match tickets that originally sold for under $2,000. Even group stage matches were going for 3-5x face value.

This Visa presale gives you legitimate access to face value tickets before the general public stampede begins. We're talking about potentially saving thousands while earning valuable rewards on what'll likely be a substantial purchase.

Plus, you're not just buying tickets—you're investing in what could be the trip of a lifetime across three countries during the peak of summer 2026. The smart money gets in early, books travel with points and miles, and watches everyone else scramble later.

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How to Get This Deal

1. Create your FIFA ID right now at FIFA.com/tickets (don't wait until September 10—get this done today)
2. Choose your strongest Visa card for the eventual purchase. If World Cup tickets code as travel, your Chase Sapphire Reserve will earn 3x points. Otherwise, stick with a solid 2% card like the Citi Double Cash.
3. Set multiple calendar reminders for September 10 at 12:01 AM in your time zone—you'll want to apply as soon as the window opens
4. Consider timing a new card application if you can hit a sign-up bonus with this purchase (World Cup tickets will likely run $500-2,000+ depending on matches)
5. Start planning your North American adventure now—hotel points and airline miles will be crucial for this trip

The Bottom Line

Don't overthink this one. The worst case scenario? You don't get selected and try again in later phases. The best case? You secure tickets to the greatest show on earth at face value while earning rewards.

This opportunity won't come again for another four years, and it's the first World Cup ever held across three countries. Register your FIFA ID today, mark September 10 on your calendar, and have your highest-earning Visa card ready to go.

Want to maximize your points on this purchase? Check out our guide to the best travel credit cards for large purchasesand learn how to earn massive sign-up bonuses while you're at it.