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How Much Does It Cost to Attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about buying a match ticket or taking a short vacation. The tournament will last nearly a month and a half, take place across three countries, and require substantial spending on flights, visas, and accommodation.

Photo: Reuters

Below is a detailed breakdown of the total cost for a football fan traveling from Uzbekistan to the 2026 World Cup.

Where and When Will the 2026 World Cup Take Place?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, making it the longest and largest World Cup in history.

Key facts:

  • Duration: 39 days
  • Teams: 48 national teams
  • Matches: 104 games

For the first time, the tournament will be hosted by three countries in North America:

  • United States — the main host country, where the semifinals and the final will be played
  • Canada — hosting several group-stage matches
  • Mexico — also hosting matches in the early stages

In total, matches will be played in 16 cities, with the majority taking place in the United States. As a result, the U.S. will serve as the main logistical and organizational hub of the tournament.

This multi-country format makes the 2026 World Cup more complex — and more expensive — for fans compared to previous tournaments.

How to Buy Tickets for the 2026 World Cup

Buying tickets for the 2026 World Cup does not work like a standard online purchase. Fans do not simply select a ticket and pay for it immediately. Instead, they must apply through the FIFA ticket lottery system.

FIFA Ticketing dashboard: submitting an application for 2026 World Cup tickets through the Random Selection Draw system.

FIFA Ticket Lottery

At the first stage, users log in to their FIFA Ticketing account and choose the Random Selection Draw, which is the primary ticket sales format for the general public.

Selecting the ticket purchase method in FIFA Ticketing: Random Selection Draw.

FIFA clearly states:

  • ticket purchase is not guaranteed;
  • payment is charged only if the application is successful;
  • payment is processed automatically using the linked bank card.
  • All submitted applications participate in a random draw.

Choosing a Team and Matches

Next, fans can select the “My Team” option — for example, the Uzbekistan national team. The system then offers possible matches the team may play:

  • specific group-stage matches (with dates and stadiums);
  •  
  • conditional matches — potential knockout games if the team advances.
Choosing a national team and potential matches in the FIFA ticketing system.

Examples shown in the system include:

  • Uzbekistan vs. Colombia in Mexico City;
  • Portugal vs. Uzbekistan in Houston;
  • a potential playoff match in Atlanta.

Ticket Categories and Real Prices

For each match, FIFA offers several ticket tiers:

  • Supporter Value Tier — from USD 140–220
  • The cheapest tickets, available in limited quantities.
  • Supporter Standard Tier — USD 380–500
  • The most common option for the general public.
  • Supporter Premier Tier — USD 450–700
  • Better seats among standard ticket categories.

Prices are listed per ticket and already include all taxes.

Application Confirmation and Payment

At the final stage, FIFA requires users to:

  • link a valid bank card (Visa or other accepted cards);
  • confirm acceptance of FIFA’s ticketing terms and conditions.

This step does not mean an immediate purchase. A ticket is considered purchased only if the application wins the lottery.

FIFA sends lottery results by email on scheduled dates, usually several months before the tournament begins.

Hospitality Packages

Hospitality packages are the most expensive but also the most reliable way to attend matches at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA Hospitality section: selection of premium hospitality packages for 2026 World Cup matches.

What’s Included in Hospitality Packages:

  • a guaranteed match ticket;
  • premium seating (usually central or lower tiers);
  • access to hospitality lounges before and after the match;
  • food and drinks on match day;
  • dedicated stadium entrances and enhanced service.
FIFA Hospitality packages offering guaranteed tickets and premium stadium services for World Cup 2026.

Prices:

  • Group stage: from USD 1,400–1,600 per match
  • Playoff matches: USD 2,000–3,500
  • Semifinals: from USD 4,000
  • Final: USD 6,000–8,000, depending on the package

Hospitality packages are typically chosen by fans who prioritize guaranteed access over cost savings.

Official FIFA Ticket Resale Platform

If a fan fails to buy tickets during the main sales phase or lottery, FIFA offers a legal and official resale option — the FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace.

Official FIFA Resale/Exchange Marketplace for buying and selling 2026 World Cup tickets.

This is the only authorized platform where fans can safely buy or sell World Cup tickets without the risk of cancellation.

Important restrictions:

  • only tickets originally purchased via FIFA.com/tickets can be resold;
  • hospitality packages, accreditations, complimentary and promotional tickets cannot be resold;
  • FIFA does not guarantee successful resale — availability depends on demand;
  • resale prices may exceed face value and depend on host country, ticket category, and FIFA regulations.
FIFA’s authorized ticket resale platform with available World Cup 2026 match listings.

A 15% service fee is added to the ticket price when purchasing through the official resale platform.

Visa Costs for Citizens of Uzbekistan

Even with a valid match ticket, travel is not guaranteed. For Uzbek citizens, obtaining a visa for the host country is mandatory and often becomes the decisive factor in planning the trip.

This section does not assess visa approval chances. It focuses only on official visa fees and estimated costs that should be included in the travel budget.

Official visa fees for entry into the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Flight Costs from Tashkent to 2026 World Cup Host Countries

Example of flight prices from Tashkent to 2026 World Cup host cities.

Accommodation Costs During the 2026 World Cup

During World Cup match days, accommodation prices in host cities increase significantly and depend heavily on the city and match dates.

Hotel rates during the tournament are substantially higher than average seasonal prices.

Hotel prices in 2026 World Cup host cities on match days.

Additional Expenses

Even with a budget-focused trip, additional expenses are unavoidable. Typical estimates include:

  • Medical insurance: USD 50–100 (for a 2–6 week travel policy)
  • Food: USD 20–60 per day (realistic daily range)
  • Local transport: USD 10–50 per day (metro, buses, taxis)
  • Mobile connection and internet: USD 10–30 (SIM or eSIM)
  • Contingency reserve: USD 100–300 for minor and unexpected expenses

These costs are often underestimated but can significantly affect the total budget.

Total Cost

Summary table of total expenses for attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

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