Qatar’s Asian Cup hero Akram Afif is set to grace the global stage once more, with his national team already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For fans eager to follow the star forward’s journey in North America, here is everything you need to know about securing your seat for the tournament.
The road to seeing Afif in action begins with the ticket application process. FIFA has announced that the first ticket sales phase, the “Random Selection Draw,” is now open and will run until December 11, 2024. During this period, fans can submit their requests for match tickets, with a random draw to be held after the window closes to allocate tickets for high-demand matches.
Following this initial phase, a second sales window will open in early 2025. This stage will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, offering another crucial chance to secure tickets. The final ticket sales period will begin after the tournament’s group stage draw in late 2025, when the full match schedule is finalized.
Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup have been structured with four categories. Category 4 offers the most affordable option, reserved exclusively for residents of the host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. International fans can aim for Categories 1 through 3, with single-match tickets starting at $69 USD for the group stage in Category 3 and reaching up to $270 USD for Category 1 access to the opening match.
For those planning an extended trip, “Team-Specific Ticket Series” will be available. These packages allow supporters to follow a specific national team—like Qatar—through all their matches in a chosen venue, from the group stage up to a potential final, providing a guaranteed way to watch Akram Afif and his teammates.
With the tournament’s expanded 48-team format promising more matches than ever across 16 host cities, early planning is essential. Fans are advised to monitor the official FIFA website and ticketing portal regularly for the latest updates and precise sale dates to ensure they don’t miss their opportunity to witness football’s biggest event.
