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January 2026 World Cup Digest
This edition covers:
Note: gmail occasionally cuts off the email version of the newsletter so if this occurs, you’ll want to click “Read Online” in the top right corner of the message.
Prices
We are in the midst of Phase 3 (“Random Draw”) Ticket Sales and once again, prices are a massive talking point. Actually - first, if you have no idea what I’m talking about - go to fifa.com/tickets and register for tickets. You have until January 13th to complete the Phase 3 application! I did receive a few questions on what happens next so let me address that.
You apply for tickets to matches you’d like to attend. FIFA randomly allocates tickets to fans based on requests. Whatever you are randomly allocated, you will receive a notification via email no earlier than February 5th if you’re successful and your card will be charged.
Now, regarding prices - yes, they’re still incredibly high but FIFA did announce that 10% of the 8% ticket allocation per match for each team’s federation is available at $60. That’s roughly a few hundred tickets per match for each PMA. On one hand, power to the people for forcing some change. On the other, prices are still a big WTF and can you imagine the first person in line that missed the $60?
I buried the lead a bit but I created a visual that tracks Phase 1 to Phase 2 to Phase 3 ticket sales. If you click the line chart, you can see the details for the match and I included filters to make it simple. It’s a lot of data and pulled from all the fan sources so if you see any problems, let me know. Here’s a snapshot preview:
Ticket Prices Historical Trend
Sneak peek at some work I’m actively working on to enhance the visuals I have that show 1994 to 2022 ticket prices. I’m adding 2026 and just like the existing charts in this article, will add inflation considerations. Here’s one for the (non-opening match) Group Stages for 1994 to 2026, in 2026 dollars and a couple of points:
Again, this uses the Consumer Price Index available for to account for inflation per USD
I do not have all 3 Categories data for 1998 & 2002 so omitted each year
Group Stage in 2026 has varying prices so I use the average price
Average Price from PHASE 3 (“Random Draw”) on FIFA.com/tickets
This does NOT include the opening match for USA / Canada / Mexico
There’s a reason I’m a bit behind…see next topic “2026 Bracket Simulator” below. 🙂
2026 Bracket Simulator
Hundreds (😳) of new “Newsletter Insiders” this edition come from voluntarily signing up during a bracket save in just the last 10 days. Shout out hello & welcome to you all! 👋
After the Draw in December, I found myself wondering how to identify what specific teams would be matched up and where for the Round of 32 knockouts and how that impacts the possible combinations for the remaining knockout rounds and matches. Did I want to apply for a ticket or skip, etc?
This led me to FIFA’s Rulebook that outlines 495 combinations for which 8 of 12 groups sends a 3rd place team to the knockouts and how that affects the matchups.
Being someone that has worked in technology their entire career, I decided to start building something that could show me a visual based on the results. To prevent more rambling, this led to numerous iterations that resulted in a 2026 Bracket Predictor. You can give it a go and create a full bracket without submitting any personal information and even share your results to social media (see example below). But if you want to save a bracket to review your picks, you do need to submit and verify an email.
Give it a try and let me know what you think, if you have feedback, see any data problems in my manic creation, etc. Here’s my 10 year old daughter’s bracket…she wants to break the internet.
Sponsor Tickets
2026 is full of FIFA sponsor activations that include ticket packages, giveaways or new ways to purchase. Below is a summary:
World Cup Tickets via Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways continues to push full service packages with FIFA and World Cups. Fans can go directly to their site to book their match tickets + flights + ground transportation and depending on which package, potentially ground transfers and accommodation as well!
Follow My Team Package (View Here)
From $11,600: Includes match tickets, domestic flights, and ground transport.
Knockout Series (View Here)
From $13,800: Includes match tickets, domestic flights, ground transport and transfers.
Ultimate Package (View Here)
From $24,950: Includes tickets to the semi-final and final, domestic flights and hotel accommodation.
World Cup Tickets via Verizon
In the case of Verizon, they are gave away 1000’s of free tickets in October + 200 “on the field” experiences in November.
They have done it again with another giveaway in January. Keep up with their socials to see future announcements and opportunities as well.
World Cup Tickets via American Airlines
In the case of American Airlines, they are allowing AAdvantage Members to use miles to purchase tickets to all 104 matches. With Group Matches starting at 75K miles and the Final at 965K miles, it may only interest those with many miles to spare. We’ve seen this twice now and likely more to come.
This happened a couple times in 2025 and am sure it will happen again this year.
World Cup Tickets via Bank of America
Bank of America allowed ticket purchases for new customers that opened Visa Cash Rewards credit cards between December 04 and January 05 and activates by February 05. It’s the only one I’ve seen thus far but like all of them, keep your eyes open.
World Cup Tickets via Chase Sapphire Card
Chase Sapphire cardholders will have access to purchase a limited availability of World Cup 2026 tickets via Visa.
When: Feb 10-24, 2026. Guessing more details will eventually show up under: Ultimate Rewards > Experiences
Fan Fests: Some Host Cities Charging Entry
I noticed a post from NY/NJ on instagram that announced “Early Entry Sales” tickets for their Liberty Park Fan Fest and that made me do a double take. Sure enough, FIFA is allowing Host Cities to charge for entry to Fan Fests as a way to keep numbers manageable and earn revenue. It goes against all Fan Fests that have ever existed (started in 2006) and will certainly catch some fans by surprise. Not all cities will charge entry fees (e.g. Atlanta, Kansas City to name a couple) so do some research. I’ll try to keep the Host City Guides up to date.
Additionally, the Fan Fests in Host Cities won’t necessarily be open for every match so please, if you’re traveling, check the operating hours and if there will be a fee. Public transportation is encouraged as parking will almost certainly be a nightmare. I’ll discuss parking details in a future newsletter (spoiler alert: it is expensive as hell).
I Have Tickets, Now What
Here’s a quick checklist that I’ll keep here for a few newsletter editions:
Look for flight deals (I love using Google Flights - Explore Mode)
Start planning lodging:
This could be trickier in some cities than others; hence where our partner Roadtrips can come in to assist.
Else, check your hotel aggregators like Hotels.com, Expedia, etc.
Review our Host City Guides for quick references on each city.
Answering Reader Questions
Interested in sending a question? Hit respond directly from your inbox to send a message to submit a question. I’m summarizing & generalizing the topics here:
Do you have a guess for when Phase 4 (Last Minute) opens?
April 16, 2026. This is based on math of the last 2 World Cups and their opening matches being 54 and 57 days from when the last minute phase started. I also realized that the other phases opened on a Thursday. Could I be absolutely incorrect? YES. This is a fun guess, not a fact.
Would you buy a resale ticket?
Personally, I would not look at it as an option until after Phase 3. Hopefully, by now, you also realize that the inventory is not “gone” immediately and it is released by FIFA in phases so to me, take your shot in the Phases before going resale! Getting past that statement, read FIFA’s Terms of Sale if you haven’t as you own your own choices. Next, I’d first check Hospitality tickets. Why? These are official tickets as well and include additional perks and I have bumped into numerous fans in the past who spent more on a resale ticket than if they had just bought Hospitality.
Lastly, if I went to the open marketplaces, I would use a vendor with a solid refund status. I mentioned recently that LiveFootballTickets has 150% refund policy. I also met people with decades of experience in the ticket industry and hear TickPick has a good reputation (I have never used or spoken to them to understand why). If you’re going this route you may also want to look at the trends from TicketData which tracks historical prices of non-FIFA resale market. To summarize, understand your risks, the policies and make decisions you’re comfortable with that balance the information available.How do I transfer a ticket to someone attending with me?
There are two options (1) Full Transfer and (2) Guest Ticket. A full transfer gives the receiver full rights to the ticket (i.e. this person can now sell it). If you add a guest, this provides the person access to the ticket but they cannot resell it or transfer it themselves. Honestly, FIFA’s FAQs cover it well but I’ll post info on socials about transferring in near future, too.
What are your plans for matches?
I have likely answered this a couple times but it is still a common question in exchanges with readders that submit messages (I wholeheartedly enjoy all exchanges). I have tickets to Spain vs. Saudi Arabia and submitted an application in Phase 3 for an R16 match and a Semi-final. My original plans for 2026 included stays in Seattle/Vancouver and then Mexico City + Monterrey. Unfortunately, the costs are prohibitive. And yes, I also recognize the fortuitous circumstance I am in to still attend.
Is a Fan Fest “Worth it”?
The news of the Fan Fest went viral quickly. My posts on X alone hit 767K impressions in one week 🤯. This led to a handful of inquiries about Fan Fests. I will expand more in the future but here’s some quick thoughts. A Fan Fest is crowded. The food & drinks are expensive. When a match is explosive, the atmosphere can be electric and introduce people to various fan cultures. It can also be extremely hot and uncomfortable in some instances. I’ll definitely bring my kids to the Fan Fest at least once but I also, personally, find more enjoyment in smaller viewings at bars and restaurants, etc. At the same time, one of my favorite all-time World Cup memories is at the Frankfurt Fan Fest in 2006 watching Brazil vs France. How’s that for a non-committal answer? 🫠
I don’t like my team’s new top for 2026, any idea where I can get an older one?
The new kits have started to come out with varying designs. Adidas is overall releasing solid designs and Nike started releasing peeks earlier this week. None can be as bad as Puma’s in 2022 designs, right? Fans can probably find older versions at standard brand website (e.g. Adidas, Nike, Puma, etc). I have personally used Classic Football Shirts to snag deals for myself and my kids and if timed right, someone can find a solid top for a fair price (plus, they have many many gems so it is fun to browse).
Comment about Fan Stories
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to “put a bow” on the email exchange I’ve had with a fan whose been attending World Cups since 1966 but I’ll post that online and in next edition, once it is done. It’s been a pleasure, Steve!
Are On Location & FIFA Still Hiring for 2026?
I’ll continue to post links for the jobs FIFA and others post. The positions refresh often:
On Location Jobs (Hospitality Vendor)
And, since a large % of readers here are American, here’s a link to open jobs with US Soccer, too.
Bonus Links
Holiday Themed Sweaters that look like jerseys?
I regret not having this information for you before the December newsletter.
FIFA Considering Updates to Offside Rule
Not for 2026 World Cup, but keep an eye on this potential update. It’d change the game across all levels around the world instantaneously.
Oh, England and its 2010 Arrogance
This makes me laugh (sorry, English readers) but I really hope we see the same arrogance somewhere for 2026. It keeps us all entertained.
Freestylers are Incredible
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