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Soccer fans, it’s almost time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to take place across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is less than a year away, and ticket sales are about to start. Visa cardholders get first access, giving them a head start before general sales open.
The Visa presale kicks off September 10 at 11 a.m. EST and runs until September 19. Any Visa credit, debit or (reloadable) prepaid card holder can enter the draw. You will need to create a FIFA ID, which you can use to log in and register. If your registration is selected, you’ll get an email with a date and time in October to buy your tickets.
Ticket Prices and Options
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup start at $60 for group-stage games, with prices climbing as high as $6,730 for top seats at the final. Fans can choose from four categories, with Category 1 closest to the pitch and Category 4 the cheapest option. For the first time, FIFA is rolling out dynamic pricing—so the more demand, the higher the cost.
Presale access is available with any Visa card, but some Visa cards could give you more than just tickets.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a fantastic pick for both travel novices and seasoned jet-setters. For a relatively modest annual fee of $95, it delivers a strong value. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. Each year, you also get a $50 hotel credit when booking through Chase Travel℠ and a bonus worth 10% of your annual spend. Additionally, cardholders will receive 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This is your everyday, no-fuss cash-back card that is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to juggle spending categories. It earns a solid 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases. The big perk is flexibility: With a $0 annual fee and easy rewards, cardholders can combine its Ultimate Rewards® points with other Chase cards to unlock travel perks. You’ll also earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card*: If you want customization in your rewards, this card is a solid option. Also, with a $0 annual fee, it gives 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category such as gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. It’s especially rewarding for people who plan their spending habits around the card’s categories and want a bit more control. Cardholders can also get a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
What Happens After the Visa Presale
If you miss out on the Visa presale or want more tickets, there are other sales phases:
- Second Phase (October 27 through 31): Fans can apply for tickets to specific matches.
- Third Phase (After December 5): Tickets go on sale based on team matchups after the official tournament draw.
- Final Phase: Remaining tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Visa presale gives fans a big advantage, especially for high-demand games. Some stadiums will sell out fast, so getting early access can make all the difference. Even if you don’t get tickets right away, signing up puts you in the mix before the public.
Bottom Line
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark tournament, and Visa cardholders are first in line. With demand expected to be massive, early registration could be the difference between securing seats and missing out.
This isn’t just another tournament. It’s history in the making. Visa cardholders get front-of-the-line access. Snag tickets early and you’ll be in the stands watching the action live, not stuck on the couch.