We have analysed data from all 14,822 ESTC members who registered their interest in attending FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches. All three group-stage matches, and all conditional knockout fixtures, were oversubscribed.
The information and guidance in this update is subject to change based on the volume of applications submitted to FIFA when official applications open from next week. We will share updated and more accurate advice after 21 December, and ahead of the official application deadline on 13 January 2026, to ensure ESTC members can make the most informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
Please be aware of the following:
For each fixture, we’ve identified: a) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in the lowest-priced category (Supporter Value Tier). b) The active caps total an active ESTC member will need to guarantee a ticket in any available category (Supporter Premier or Supporter Standard).
If your active caps total is below the level required to guarantee a ticket in either scenario, your application will be entered into a ballot as per the membership tournament ballot rules 6.3 to determine whether it is successful.
This applies across all three group-stage matches and all conditional knockout fixtures at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This guidance is based solely on information gathered during the ESTC Registration of Interest period (Monday 8 December – Wednesday 10 December). As ticket prices and category splits were not available at that time, we recognise that members’ final decisions during the official application window may differ. These choices will naturally influence the numbers and could affect the thresholds shown below. The guidance is intended to help members secure the cheapest available tickets by following our advice.
FIFA have advised that accessible tickets such as wheelchair or easy access seating will also be required to purchase a carer/companion ticket if a carer/companion is required. We are also yet to receive a final allocation for Wheelchair/Easy Access/Accessible tickets. Members who require this seating type are advised to apply on Monday 15 December along with all other members and select your seating type. We will then be able to offer further guidance after 21 December.
Applying prior to receiving your access code from ESTC, due to be sent on Monday 15 December, will put your application into the public/random FIFA draw. FIFA will only allow you to have 4 tickets against your name, per game, in this application phase, meaning that applying for more than three tickets for a single match in the public/random FIFA draw will lead to potential ticket cancellations in both applications.
Regarding the above, please also note that after the official application process is completed, payment will be taken by FIFA for all matches you are successful for. It will be an “all or nothing” process, so please only apply for matches you wish to pay for within the official application via FIFA, which is expected to open on Monday 15 December.
You can see further information at FIFA World Cup 2026 initial registration guidance | England Football