World Cup: Africa on alert as ticket rush opens in final sales phase

African football fans are being urged to act swiftly after FIFA confirmed a fresh ticket release for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of the highly anticipated Last-Minute Sales Phase.

Last-minute ticket sales for @FIFAWorldCup 2026 are now live! 🤩

Tickets across all 104 matches are now available for public purchase on a first-come, first-served basis:

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) April 22, 2026

With excitement building across the continent ahead of what promises to be the biggest World Cup in history, a new batch of tickets for all 104 matches went on sale globally on 22 April via FIFA’s official ticketing platform.

The sale will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, opening at 11:00 ET (17:00 CET), giving African supporters another opportunity to secure seats for the global showpiece.

This latest ticket drop coincides with the 50-day countdown to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

The 2026 edition will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, offering Africa increased representation and a stronger presence on football’s grandest stage.

Tickets across categories 1 to 3, including premium front-row seating, will be available depending on match demand.

FIFA has also confirmed that additional tickets will continue to be released periodically right up to the final on 19 July, ensuring fans who miss out initially still have a chance.

Due to expected high demand, supporters especially from football-passionate regions like Africa may encounter digital queues during the purchasing process.

FIFA has advised fans to remain patient, as the system is designed to ensure fair access while maintaining a smooth user experience.

Buyers will be able to choose matches, select seats directly from stadium maps, or use automated options to secure the best available seats.

Fans are strongly encouraged to only purchase tickets through FIFA’s official portal to avoid scams and unauthorized resales.

The official resale marketplace will also be available, allowing ticket holders who can no longer attend to safely resell their tickets to other supporters.

For those seeking a more premium experience, hospitality packages including match tickets and exclusive services are being offered through FIFA’s official provider, delivering a high-end matchday atmosphere.

More than five million tickets have already been sold for the tournament, underlining the massive global demand.

With Africa’s football following continuing to grow, interest from the continent is set to play a significant role in driving attendance figures beyond previous records.

FIFA has also reminded traveling fans that a match ticket does not automatically guarantee entry into host countries. Supporters from Africa planning to attend matches in North America should ensure they meet visa and travel requirements well in advance, particularly for entry into the United States, where special scheduling support systems will be available for ticket holders.

As anticipation intensifies, the message is clear for African fans: the window to be part of history is open but only for those ready to move fast.