Soccer fans holding Visa payment cards can now enter the first ticket lottery for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring matches to Seattle’s Lumen Field as part of the largest World Cup in tournament history.
The presale draw, running from September 10-19, represents the initial phase of FIFA’s multi-stage ticket distribution system designed to accommodate unprecedented demand. The tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with organizers expecting 6.5 million attendees.
Eligible participants must possess Visa credit cards, debit cards, or reloadable prepaid cards to access the lottery system through FIFA.com/tickets. The process requires creating a FIFA ID account and being at least 18 years old.
Current wait times for accessing the entry system range from 30-40 minutes, followed by a 30-minute window to complete applications. Participants select preferred matches, tournament rounds, and host cities while providing Visa payment information.
FIFA will conduct a randomized selection process, with results announced beginning September 29. Successful applicants receive designated time slots starting October 1 to purchase tickets, though slot assignment doesn’t guarantee ticket availability.
Seattle soccer enthusiasts are already preparing for the historic opportunity. Greg McKell has entered the lottery hoping to secure tickets for Team USA’s June 19 match at Lumen Field with his son.
“Watching the U.S play at Lumen Field will be fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to that,” McKell said.
Local soccer establishments are anticipating massive crowds. Rissa Vuyke, a longtime employee at The Atlantic Crossing soccer bar, expressed excitement about hosting international fans at their new Green Lake location.
“I can’t even imagine this year, that’s what I’m, because I know it’s going to be bigger, and I don’t know, it’s our first world cup in this location, I can’t even imagine it until it happens,” she explained.
Additional ticket opportunities include a second early draw (October 27-31) and a random selection draw following December’s Final Draw ceremony on December 5, when group stage matchups are revealed.
FIFA has introduced a new initiative allowing fans in each of the 16 host cities to participate in special lotteries for complimentary VIP experiences, with allocation details forthcoming.
The tournament structure includes single-match tickets for all 104 games, plus venue-specific and team-specific ticket packages. Any remaining inventory will be sold first-come, first-served closer to the tournament.
Seattle represents one of 11 U.S. host cities, alongside two Canadian and three Mexican venues, making this the most geographically diverse World Cup to date.
