Ticket Lottery for 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches in San Francisco Bay Area Announced
FIFA unveiled the ticket lottery details for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, highlighting matches that will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. The tournament, which kicks off next June, promises to be a monumental event as it spans across North America.
Starting Wednesday, September 10, fans can apply for tickets in phases. FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, "We're looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America... these will be the most coveted seats in world sport." This sentiment reflects the anticipation surrounding the tournament.
Interested fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets to create a FIFA ID before the draw. Organizers expect an impressive turnout of 6.5 million attendees for the tournament, which will feature 104 matches with 48 teams competing.
Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is set to host six matches during the tournament. However, due to FIFA's sponsorship regulations, it will be referred to as "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium" for the duration of the event. The schedule includes five group stage matches and one knockout match in the Round of 32.
The match schedule is as follows:
- Match 8 - Group Stage - Saturday, June 13
- Match 20 - Group Stage - Tuesday, June 16
- Match 31 - Group Stage - Friday, June 19
- Match 44 - Group Stage - Monday, June 22
- Match 60 - Group Stage - Thursday, June 25
- Match 81 - Round of 32 - Wednesday, July 1
The final draw is scheduled for December, with specific match schedules and kickoff times to be announced shortly thereafter. The tournament will commence on June 11, 2026, with an opening match in Mexico City. The World Cup Final is slated for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will temporarily be known as New York / New Jersey Stadium.
