FIFA 2026 World Cup Ticket Lottery Stalls on Day 1; Urgent Fix Needed

UPDATE: The much-anticipated ticket lottery for the FIFA 2026 World Cup has hit significant roadblocks, leaving many would-be buyers frustrated. On September 10, 2025, the Visa pre-sale opened at 11 a.m. ET, but ticket-seekers quickly found themselves in a chaotic registration process that demands both luck and extraordinary patience.

Initial reports indicate that users faced lengthy wait times, error messages, and a convoluted entry process. “Has this convoluted World Cup FIFA Visa pre-sale thing actually worked for anyone yet?” tweeted a frustrated fan, Bijan Todd. Another user, J.D. Capelouto, expressed similar dismay, stating, “I want World Cup tickets so I’m currently in a waiting room to join a queue to enter a pre-sale draw.”

A spokeswoman for the Canadian segment of the tournament acknowledged the issues, noting that while many managed to register, “we were experiencing initial extended wait times as the registration period opened.” To secure a chance at tickets, fans must be over 18, registered with FIFA, and possess a Visa card.

When the portal went live, a countdown clock added to the anticipation, but many users faced an unexpected hurdle: an “HTTP Status 400 — Bad Request” error, forcing them to restart the process. Some participants reported spending upwards of **five hours** in the queue before finally making it through, while others likely gave up in frustration.

As of now, the pre-sale window remains open, with a random draw set to take place by September 29. Those selected will receive an email notification with a designated date and time to purchase tickets between October 1 and 21, contingent on availability. This draw is one of three avenues for Canadian fans to secure tickets to the expanded 48-team, 104-game tournament, hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.

In addition to the lottery, fans can explore hospitality packages starting at **US$2,500** for single-game experiences, with pricing climbing dramatically for premium options. The cheapest ticket for group-stage matches is set at **US$60**, while seats for the championship game can soar to **US$6,730**. FIFA has warned that ticket prices are subject to change based on demand, especially throughout the pre-sale period.

For fans hoping to support Canada’s national team, a separate lottery for Canada Soccer’s ticket allotment will also be available, although details are yet to be announced. To participate, individuals must be members of the CanadaRed supporters group.

As the ticketing saga unfolds, fans are urged to stay alert for updates and prepare for potential price increases as demand escalates. The urgency of this situation highlights the emotional investment and excitement surrounding the World Cup, making it imperative for fans to navigate the complicated ticketing landscape effectively.

With the clock ticking down to the draw, many fans are left wondering if their patience will finally pay off. Stay tuned for ongoing updates as we continue to monitor this developing story.